Our thinking Archives - Page 2 of 32 - Jesuit Social Services

Social Inclusion Week
- 26 November 2020
In his post for Social Inclusion Week, ANDY HAMILTON SJ writes that social inclusion depends on social friendship – the readiness to welcome others into our lives. In recent years people have spoken much more openly about what it is like to be excluded. We are better informed about what it means to be racially…
Removing the stigma from mental illness
- 8 October 2020
Mental wellbeing during a pandemic - a chat with Support After Suicide
- 15 May 2020
The social distancing, isolation and separation from regular routines and social connections that are now part of our daily lives as a result of COVID-19 have impacted us all in different ways. Dr Louise Flynn, Manager of Jesuit Social Services’ Support After Suicide program, discusses mental wellbeing during the pandemic and how the work of…
The abuse of people in detention happens in secret; OPCAT findings must be made public
- 13 February 2020
With suicide on the rise, postvention services can save lives
- 3 December 2018
In September, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released its annual Causes of Death report which provides analysis on Australia’s leading causes of death. Deaths by suicide 2008-2017 It showed that the number of people who died by suicide in Australia in 2017 rose by 9.1 per cent from 2016, and that suicide remains the leading…
Adequate funding for postvention programs can reduce the risk of further suicide
- 21 November 2018
Programs like Support After Suicide, which work with people bereaved by the loss of a loved one, also work to reduce the risk of further suicide. With suicide numbers on the rise, it is important programs like this receive adequate funding, writes Jesuit Social Services’ Policy and Advocacy volunteer TONY SANTOSPIRITO. Many Australians have been…
Secure, long-term funding for postvention services can save lives
- 11 October 2018
New statistics shows the number of Australians who die by suicide has increased – which means more people bereaved by suicide are at heightened risk. This World Mental Health Week, we want to see secure, long-term funding for postvention services, writes Jesuit Social Services’ Media Relations Manager KATHRYN KERNOHAN. Last month the Australian Bureau of…
Shift in illicit drug rhetoric and policy should not be considered soft
- 8 August 2018
An expansion of the successful Drug Court and trial of a Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Victoria are are examples of a health-based response that reflects a compassionate, evidence-based policy agenda, writes Jesuit Social Services’ policy volunteer MITCHELL GLASS. Collectively, there is a growing recognition that the current ‘war on drugs’ approach is not an effective…
Postvention funding can work to reduce suicide rate
- 13 April 2018
Secure, long-term funding to support people bereaved by suicide will ultimately save lives, writes Jesuit Social Services volunteer FRAN SHEAHAN. Allan thought about taking his own life following the suicide of Don, his partner of 22 years. Jesuit Social Services’ Support After Suicide program supported him through a period of deep grief and, thanks to…
Political leaders must support, not punish, vulnerable Australians
- 10 January 2018
Tens of thousands of Australians will be impacted by proposed welfare reform measures. It’s time for our political leaders to support, not punish vulnerable people, writes Jesuit Social Services Media Relations Manager KATHRYN KERNOHAN. In 2017 the Federal Government courted controversy by proposing to drug test welfare recipients, despite evidence from several US states that…

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