-
International Jesuit Prison Network connects people working with prisoners
Image by Chris-Håvard Berge Over Jesuit Social Services’ 40 years of work, we’ve crossed paths with other Jesuit organisations and individuals who, like us, support people caught in the justice system. The idea to connect people working in Jesuit prison ministries and the broader criminal justice area prompted us to create the International Jesuit Prison…
-
Jesuit Social Services collaborates with St Vincent's Health Australia
Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards is pictured here with Toby Hall, CEO of St Vincent’s Health Australia, after signing an agreement between the two organisations that will see them work collaboratively to improve the health service response to those at the margins of society. St Vincent’s Health Australia and Jesuit Social Services are proposing…
-
On 21 March 2017, Jesuit Social Services hosted a National Justice Symposium at the State Library of Victoria. The event was an opportunity for experts, academics and policymakers to gather to discuss the many and complex issues affecting youth justice around the country. Our keynote speaker was Vincent Schiraldi, Senior Research Fellow from the Harvard…
-
Reconnecting with parenthood after prison
Through Jesuit Social Services’ ReConnect program, Peter found the courage to ask for help leaving prison. He spoke to SEZ WILKS about the rewards of being a dad after five years inside. As a kid, Peter* envied children who had curfews. After school he and his mates would play freely, but as dinner or sunset approached…
-
Singing justice: why music and youth diversion make a great mix
Young people in our Youth Justice Group Conferencing program can record their apology to victims as a song. SEZ WILKS chats to studio producer JESSE SULLIVAN about expressing remorse and avoiding ‘tough guy’ lyrics. Jesse Sullivan from Artful Dodgers Studios If sorry is one of the hardest words to say, can singing make it simpler?…
-
Group Conferencing gets smart on crime
Group Conferencing is proven to reduce reoffending by young people. KATHRYN KERNOHAN spoke to conference convenor Christy Hughes about how it benefits both offenders and victims of crime. Group Conferencing participant Taree was grateful for the opportunity of a second chance. Before she had contact with the youth justice system, Taree (not her real…
-
Vale Professor Tony Vinson (1935–2017)
Jesuit Social Services is mourning the passing of Professor Tony Vinson. Professor Vinson was a dear friend of Jesuit Social Services and we are grateful for his generous contribution to our work over so many years. Professor Vinson was an Emeritus Professor at the University of New South Wales and an Honorary Professor in the…
-
Talking to all kinds of people: Martin is a counsellor with Support After Suicide
When MARTIN RYAN was given a social work placement at Jesuit Social Services in 1978, he never imagined he’d be back in 2009. Now a counsellor with our Support After Suicide program, MARTIN chats to SEZ WILKS about a career spent helping others. “When I dropped out of school in year 12, I suddenly had…
-
Giving gratefully: Chantelle donates to help people affected by suicide
Image credit: Pexels When Chantelle Bazerghi decided to become a monthly donor to our Support After Suicide program, helping other people learn about the service was front of mind. “Support After Suicide is a totally specialised service – it’s completely unique, and I hope that more people can access it.” Specialist suicide prevention services Since…
-
Artful Dodgers Studios is a place of possibility
Our Artful Dodgers Studios program offers young people creativity and connection. Emerging artist Kris chats to SEZ WILKS about finding social support in the studio environment. Kris says Artful Dodgers Studios is “a place to you can go to be yourself”. Image credit: Fiona Basile When Kris came to Artful Dodgers Studios in 2014, she…