Our stories

Building a just society means elevating everyone by supporting all people to reach their full potential. Every success story is crucial because none of us can flourish, until we all do.

Empowering young people on the path to recovery through connection to nature
- 8 June 2023
The Outdoor Experience utilises a Bush Adventure Therapy to supports young people struggling with substance abuse and mental health. Learn how the program empowers participants to move forward on their journey to recovery.
Creative harmony
- 5 June 2023
Hear how Artful Dodgers Studios’ innovative model connects young people to supports and a sense of belonging
Megaphone stage for Melbourne’s up-and-coming music talents
- 24 August 2022
Some of Melbourne’s most talented emerging artists spent the eve of International Youth Day onstage at the Arts Centre’s Channel contemporary performance space, sharing original music with a captivated crowd at the Artful Dodgers Studios’ Megaphone showcase event.
Support After Suicide helps Emma navigate parenting while grieving
- 6 December 2021
When Emma walked out of her first counselling session with Support After Suicide counsellor Greg, it felt “like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders”.
Finding focus outside during Melbourne’s lockdowns
- 5 December 2021
COVID-19 forced many of our programs into remote or outdoor delivery. For Connexions, which supports young people with concurrent mental health and substance misuse problems, the time spent outside wasn’t just a way to get by – it allowed us to introduce a new way of working.
A safe place to be vulnerable leads Lucy to job-ready confidence
- 4 December 2021
The Jobs Victoria Advocates Program provides the tailored support, information and referrals needed to connect jobseekers with employment. Jesuit Social Services started delivering the program in Melbourne in early 2021 and has since supported more than 600 job-seekers
Support After Suicide’s first year in NSW
- 3 December 2021
Support After Suicide has been helping people in Victoria navigate the grief and trauma associated with suicide for more than 15 years. As of February 2021, in a new partnership led by StandBy, Support After Suicide has expanded its grief counselling service into New South Wales. John, the new program manager in NSW, comes to…
Artful Dodgers Studio concert raises $6000 to engage young people with art and music
- 21 October 2021
For 27 years, Collingwood’s Artful Dodgers Studios has provided a space for young people living in difficult circumstances to unlock their creative potential and build new skills. The Studios depends on community support, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic – and in September hosted a lockdown-adapted online benefit concert to raise much-needed funds to support its…
Elijah finds his voice
- 5 July 2021
When young guitarist Elijah Augustine first came into Artful Dodgers Studios, you would be lucky to get a word out of him. Thanks to weekly songwriting sessions, ongoing performances at the Studios Megaphone events and engagement with other Studios participants, Elijah has found his voice. “I didn’t say much when I first started at The…
Black Music Matters
- 11 April 2021
Studios artists Aaron B and Olivia Meg at the Yaluk-ut Weelam Ngargee Festival With the slow rollback of COVID restrictions live crowds are out and about once again enjoying Victoria’s legendary live music scene. Amongst the performers who have turned out recently for their first live shows in over a year were three young indigenous…