Do Good Day 8th March 2025

The 8th of March is Saint John of God Day, a day to celebrate our founder and his legacy. We continue to do #GoodWork in his name, making a difference to the lives of the people we support.

“Do good for yourself by doing good for others” - Saint John of God

We continue to mark the day with events and activities to #DoGood in our local communities involving colleagues and the people we support.

North View, Jarrow

Residents and colleagues at North View Care Home wanted to express their appreciation to their local doctors and pharmacists on Do Good Day.

Support worker Demi-Leigh said, "We wanted to say thank you to the doctors and pharmacists for providing us with everything we need to give a good quality of life to the people we support, and everyone in the community. The staff and the people we support feel that the doctors and pharmacists do good work every day, so on our Do Good Day, we are giving back to them!"

The team baked some lovely treats for the doctors and pharmacists to share and expressed their gratitude through handwritten cards.

The doctors and pharmacists were very grateful and appreciated the gesture.

St John’s Terrace, Scorton

The team from St John’s Terrace spent their day giving back to their local community by picking up litter in the village of Scorton.

Senior support worker Debbie said, "We really enjoyed do good day and had a lovely afternoon!"

Elmthorpe Convent, Oxford

Colleagues from Elmthorpe spent Do Good Day volunteering at their local homeless shelter and soup kitchen in Oxford, where the team assisted with preparing and serving food, as well as cleaning up after meals.

Service manager Lonnie said, "The experience was incredibly rewarding. We learned that the homeless in our community receive daily meals and have access to the shelter's showers, internet, and the chance to chat with volunteers. We are committed to continuing our volunteer efforts whenever possible."

Woodhall Community Centre, Welwyn Garden City

Colleagues and the people they support at Woodhall Community Centre spent their Do Good Day picking up litter in their local area. They spent hours collecting two large bags of plastic waste, encouraged by passers-by who offered words of encouragement. Everyone had a great day in the sun doing good.

1 Bede’s Close, Bradford

For Do Good Day, Shamim from SJOG’s property team joined colleagues at 1 Bede's Close, along with resident Rajesh.

Shamim said, "We baked treats for the local food bank at Saint James Church, Thornton Village, which is close to the service. Louise helped by baking the colourful cupcakes, and I supported Rajesh in baking some wonderful treats. I then delivered them to the local church with service manager Tracy.

When we arrived at the church, we were welcomed by Reverend Harry, who talked to us about their food bank and how it supports up to 30 families each week on Saturdays. In addition, they offer visitors a warm meal and a hot drink. Our treats will be offered to those using the service this week."

Ana Ghita, Deputy Head of Operations – South

Ana spent Do Good Day volunteering her time at a local charity shop, Thames Hospice, in Ascot, where she sorted donations, tagged and priced items, steamed clothes, sorted rubbish, and had a great day learning how to do this from the shop manager, Fran.

Ana said, “Thames Hospice is a great charity. They offer compassionate palliative and end-of-life care, as well as wellbeing and emotional support to help those in need and their loved ones during this difficult time.”

Outreach Services, North West

The team from SJOG’s Liverpool outreach services spent their day collecting and donating food to local foodbanks in need. Team leader Anna said, “What a wonderful day to do some good! Our team is proud to have contributed to supporting our local communities.”

The Minims, Hatfield

Colleagues and residents from The Minims spent Do Good Day picking up litter in their local area.

Service manager Miggy said, “Doing good deeds is definitely good for the soul! Today, The Minims gang took action in our local area, picking up litter to make our community a better place. It was a productive and fun day, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of cars honked to show their appreciation and thanked us for doing a good job! The people we support really enjoyed it and have requested that this be incorporated into their monthly activities.”

Regents House, Middlesbrough

The team from Regents House spent their day supporting the local charity Fair Share.

They helped wash their vans, both inside and out, ensuring they were ready for food distribution in a clean environment. They also sorted vegetables to make it easier for their team to pack and deliver to local food banks.

Senior project worker Stefania said, “It was a rewarding day giving back to the community!”

Carmona House, Birmingham

Carmona House spent their day litter picking in their local community

St John’s Terrace, Scorton

Tenants from Northern Supported Living Services, Simon and Daniel, chose to donate to the local food bank.

Ambrose House and London Outreach

For Do Good Day, Ambrose House worked with colleagues from the London Outreach team to paint and refresh the worn skirting boards and handrails of one of the safe houses, making the space a nicer environment.