As part of its response to the social justice statement on mental health that was issued by the Australian Catholic Bishops last year, St Dominic’s Parish in Camberwell together with the Canterbury Council of Churches is hosting an Ecumenical Mental Health Liturgy in Camberwell on Wedensday 10th March at 7.30pm. All are welcome – mental health affects us all. Download flyer here.

Catholic Social Services Victoria endorses the view publicly expressed today by Catholic Social Services Australia outlining that the Government’s decision to increase the Jobseeker and Youth Allowance payments by only $50 per fortnight is “deeply disappointing”, “short-sighted” and will perpetuate long-term disadvantage. CEO of CSSA, Ursula Stephens, said the increase of just $3.57 per day must be a first step, otherwise generations of Australians will face entrenched disadvantage.

Throughout February, Pope Francis is drawing our attention and calling on our prayers “for women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded”. Working to address and prevent the devastating impact of violence against women and families is an area of priority for Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV) — and as many of you know is a core area of work for a number of CSSV member organisations.  

Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV) is very pleased to release its report Prisoner-caregiving Programs: Supporting Older Prisoners, which CSSV hopes will provide a path forward for improving Victorian prisoner care. This is an exciting project which CSSV believes can bring considerable benefit to a group that experiences double vulnerability – aged and imprisoned.