Discover what's happening around Jesuit Social Services. No images? Click here As Victoria once again heads into stage three lockdown, over the past week our CEO Julie Edwards shared a video message and email acknowledging the difficulties the restrictions would create in our lives and work, which was followed by an update from Acting CEO Sally Parnell. A public statement regarding lockdowns and restrictions was also released on Monday 6 July. Finally, our Executive Director, Advocacy and Strategic Communications Cath Neville shared details of how support could be provided to residents of the nine public housing estates that have been placed into hard lockdown. COVID-19 has resulted in a spike in family violence and we expect an increase in mental health concerns, demonstrating that the work of The Men’s Project is more vital than ever before. In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, connection and compassion have never been more important. During this time, The Men’s Project has moved to delivering our services remotely to support boys and men to flourish and live healthier and fulfilling lives. Program update: Jesuit Community CollegeTraining and Employment programs Melbourne Water Pathway Program Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program Working for Victoria #WorthASecondChance Community Check-in: International evidence that small scale facilities work.For many years, Jesuit Social Services has called for a shift to small scale, home-like youth justice facilities in Victoria instead of large prison-like structures. In this #WorthASecondChance Community Check-in, Dr. Sanne Oostermeijer speaks about how the design of youth justice facilities can best support positive outcomes for
justice-involved young people in Victoria. Bereavement counselling delivered remotelyOur Support After Suicide program 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 since 2004. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant the program has had to deliver its one-on-one and group services remotely since March. Read more about how it has adapted its services: Volunteer profile: Andrew KitchenIn this series, we are profiling some of our amazing volunteers from across the organisation to learn more about what they do and what drives them. This week, we hear from Andrew Kitchen, a volunteer with our Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program. Andrew is a mentor with participants, assisting them to successfully navigate the Victoria Police recruitment process. I have volunteered with Jesuit Social Services for just over a year. it has been a great learning experience for me. I’ve always viewed the role as a ‘working partnership’ where we are all equals with a shared common goal, to pass the Victoria Police Entrance Exams. Whilst the primary objective is to assist the participants with their learning in Numeracy and English, we have in addition used the opportunity to discuss and prepare the participants for daily life within the Police Force. Sharing the participants successes is exhilarating. I have been particularly fortunate with my students. Their drive for success, quest for education, learning and commitment for their goals have been inspiring. Their commitment to success has been admirable. My participants have taken it upon themselves to become actively involved and ultimately, leaders within their local communities. The NT Government’s Climate Change Response lays strong foundations for addressing the challenge of climate change, however the goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 must be enshrined in legislation to hold future Governments to account. We issued a media release highlighting why legislative action on climate change would be transformative for the Territory. Read more here. Andy Hamilton SJ writes that the focus of World Population Day needs to be broader than population control, and particularly broader than the techniques of control. "It is about culture, and particularly the culture that governs the mutual relationships between governments." Read more here. Like what you've read? |