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.

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. He found an outlet for his grief in Jesuit Social Services’ Support After Suicide program. Support After Suicide has provided specialised support including counselling, group sessions and home visits, to people bereaved by suicide throughout Melbourne and…
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…
Murray to Moyne
- 12 June 2018
In early April, staff and friends of Jesuit Social Services took part in the Murray to Moyne, an annual cycling fundraiser that covers over 500 kilometres from Swan Hill to Port Fairy. Twenty-four riders, including staff members and program participants, took part in the event and fundraised more than $43,000 for our Support After Suicide…
Murray to Moyne training with Phil Andersen
- 28 March 2018
The Jesuit Social Services Murray to Moyne Support After Suicide Team 1491 recently were fortunate to have a training session with Australian cycling legend Phil Andersen. We were very appreciative of Phil’s tips for riding into the wind. Cycling fans out there will know that Phil was the first non-European and the first Australian to…
Serious Fun celebrates a decade of support
- 7 March 2018
Ten years ago, Jesuit Social Services’ Support After Suicide program established Serious Fun to support children impacted by the suicide of a loved one. “Serious Fun allows children to meet and be with other children who have had similar experiences,” says Bereavement Support Worker Colin Charles. “The program lessens their sense of isolation, provides them…
Jesuit Social Services riding the Murray to Moyne
- 20 February 2018
On April 7 and 8 2018, staff and friends of Jesuit Social Services will take part in the Murray to Moyne, a cycling fundraising event for experienced cyclists that has been running for over 30 years. The ride will raise funds for our Support After Suicide program, which provides services for children, young people and…
The beat goes on
- 31 January 2018
Activities at the Artful Dodgers Studios in Collingwood have kicked off with a bang this year. During the school holidays, a keen group of Xavier students attended a beat making workshop at the studio held by resident producer and musician Jesse Sullivan. An accomplished composer in his own right, the affable Jesse showed the boys…
Airbiz gives The Bush Hut a new look
- 12 January 2018
Aviation consultancy firm Airbiz gave Jesuit Social Services’ Bush Hut an early Christmas present last month, with 35 staff members volunteering their time to clean, repair, design and construct new facilities for the site. The Bush Hut, located in Kew, is a heritage-listed house surrounded by native bushland. It is the base for The Outdoor Experience,…
Artful Dodgers Studios celebrates 20 years
- 2 November 2017
Last night (November 2) we celebrated the 20th anniversary of our Artful Dodgers Studios at Melba Spiegeltent. The event was a great opportunity to acknowledge some of the past and present participants, staff members and volunteers that have contributed to the Studios over the years. Artful Dodgers Studios was established as way to engage young…
Fundraiser has Artful Dodgers Studios rocking
- 29 October 2017
Twenty years ago Jesuit Social Services established the Artful Dodgers Studios as a way to use music, art and culture to engage with marginalised young people. One of the longest running Community Cultural Development programs in Victoria, the Artful Dodgers Studios provides a flexible and welcoming space where young people can collaborate with experienced artists…