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.

Bereavement counselling delivered remotely
- 15 June 2020
Since 2004, Support After Suicide has delivered vital counselling services and group sessions to children, young people and adults who have been bereaved by the suicide of a loved one. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant Support After Suicide has had to deliver its one-on-one and group services remotely since March. “We’re pleased that we’ve been…
Support After Suicide participants share stories for new production
- 9 December 2019
Participants of Jesuit Social Services’ Support After Suicide program shared their experiences of bereavement to inform the creative process of contemporary new drama 2:20AM. The powerful theatrical production received funding from Creative Victoria earlier this year and recently completed an eight date tour of Victorian locations Dandenong, Traralgon, Swanpool, Mildura, Ringwood, Thomastown, Frankston and Kyneton.…
Support to no longer suffer in silence
- 3 December 2019
Peter lost his partner Des to suicide After Peter-Josef Miesen’s partner Des took his own life in 2015, Peter “suffered in silence” for months. “I saw one or two doctors but they just wanted to give me anti-depressants. I took them but nothing made me feel better. In a way they made me feel worse…
Podcast provides suicide bereavement support
- 2 December 2019
A new podcast, co-produced by our Support After Suicide program, Joy 94.9 and Switchboard Victoria, provides support, conversation and comfort to people affected by suicide. Let’s Talk about Suicide, a 13-episode podcast launched in October, has a particular emphasis on suicide bereavement in the LGBTIQA+ communities. Research shows that young LGBTI people aged 16 to…
Funding boost for Artful Dodgers Studios and Connexions
- 4 December 2018
We were thrilled to secure Victorian Government funding for our Artful Dodgers Studios and Connexions programs recently. Artful Dodgers Studios participant Casper has been involved with the program for almost five years. The two programs worked with close to 500 young people across 2017–18. Artful Dodgers Studios is a flexible and welcoming space where at-risk…
“I’m not using drugs anymore, which is a miracle”
- 4 December 2018
When Chris’* drug use spiralled out of control, he knew it was time to make some serious changes in his life. The Outdoor Experience uses bush therapy to support young people. “I was sick of it. I threw my drugs out of the car and I sat there for ages wishing I could get out…
New play tells the story of suicide bereavement
- 4 December 2018
Jesuit Social Services’ Support After Suicide program together with Anvil Productions were proud to produce contemporary new drama 2:20AM, which premiered in Melbourne in September. 2:20AM portrayed stories of suicide bereavement. The play revolved around four people bereaved by suicide, who met at a creative writing class. Playwright Rebecca Lister interviewed a number of program…
Connexions built on trusting relationships
- 2 December 2018
For young people dealing with mental illness and alcohol and drug problems, finding the right supports can be problematic, particularly if they are expected to travel large distances to access help. Connexions worker Jenny says patience is key when working with young people. Jesuit Social Services’ Connexions program lowers these barriers, offering an outreach model…
The expression of grief after suicide
- 2 December 2018
After his daughter Cassie suicided in 2012, aged 16, Greg felt like life would never be predictable again. Greg has found creative writing to be helpful following the death of his daughter. He found an outlet for his grief in Jesuit Social Services’ Support After Suicide program. Support After Suicide has provided specialised support including…
New play explores experiences of Support After Suicide participants
- 30 July 2018
The experiences of more than 50 people directly impacted by the suicide of a loved one are explored in a new Australian play produced by Anvil Productions and supported by Jesuit Social Services and program Support After Suicide. 2:20AM, which premieres in Melbourne on August 29, is written by award-winning playwright Rebecca Lister who has…