Staff, volunteers and current and former participants of Serious Fun with CEO Julie Edwards at the program’s 10th birthday celebration
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 with somewhere they are able to talk openly about the death of their loved ones and provides them with opportunities to express and talk about their grief in a variety of ways.”
During school holidays, primary school aged children impacted by suicide gather for activity sessions based around a different theme each time, led by experienced counsellors and conveners.
Over 60 children have attended the program over the past 12 months.
In January, the program celebrated its 10th birthday with an event for past and current participants and family members at the Bush Hut.
CEO Julie Edwards was presented with a quilt featuring the painted hand prints of a number of children who have been involved with the program, and spoke about the importance of Serious Fun as a part of the various suicide bereavement services offered by Support After Suicide.
Julie, along with Serious Fun staff members, also spoke about the significant impact the program has had on the lives of children and their families over the past decade.
