Mental Health Support and Wellbeing

Jesuit Social Services approach to Mental Health Support and Wellbeing has been informed by the growth of our service responses in key areas, commencing with our early work in providing assistance to young people to reintegrate into the community after release from a correctional institution.

In 1996 Jesuit Social Services established Victoria's first dual diagnosis program for young people experiencing mental illness and substance abuse. Over time we have continued to refine our practice and develop new initiatives to address the various needs of young people in the community who have multiple and complex problems associated with their mental health problems and substance misuse.

Through the work of the Connexions, Artful Dodgers Studios, The Outdoor Experience (TOE), and Support After Suicide programs we have drawn on our extensive experience of over thirty years, plus the experiences of others to reflect on the treatment needs of disadvantaged young people and the specialist support required for people in our community bereaved by suicide. Support After Suicide also provides innovative and creative education programs to professionals working in the education, health and welfare sectors.

Our holistic approach is based on forming robust and respectful relationships as a basis for further interventions including proactive and assertive outreach, counselling, case management, housing assistance, an arts and culture program, education and training assistance, outdoor activities and health education promotion activities.

Our programs now include:

• The Artful Dodgers Studios
• Connexions
• The Outdoor Experience
• Support After Suicide
• Strong Bonds