Each year on 24th March, we commemorate World TB Day to raise awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and to increase the efforts to end the global TB epidemic.

The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.

It continues to be the world’s deadliest infectious disease and hence the day amplifies the urgency of ending TB.

Facts:
·    79 million lives saved since 2000 by global efforts to end TB
·    10.8 million people fell ill with TB in 2023
·    1.25 million people died of TB in 2023

This year’s theme organised by the World Health Organisation: Yes! We can end TB – Commit, Invest, Deliver is a bold call for hope, urgency and accountability.

Our contribution at Olallo House, London
It is 12 years since we welcomed the first guest with TB at Olallo House and became a small but crucial part of the support structure that contributes in the fight to eliminate TB.  Working in partnership with NHS Out of Hospital Care NHS North Central London ICB (Pathways). ‘NHS Find and Treat’ and University College London Hospitals, we provide specialist medical, social and psychological support enables homeless patients to complete their full course of treatment and address other issues that have contributed to their homelessness.  

#EndTB

March 2025
 

On 4th March, colleagues from our Modern Day Slavery (MDS) services attended the Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) Migration Alliance meeting at the London Jesuit Centre.

The gathering brought together many other catholic charities working in the migration sector committed to tackling human trafficking and modern slavery.

The event featured insights from Caritas International and their latest strategy in tackling global modern-day slavery, details about the Caritas Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery Ambassador Programme and updates on latest policy and advocacy initiatives across the sector.

SJOG’s senior policy and research officer, Ioana Brezeanu, took part in a panel discussion regarding the challenges faced by survivors of modern slavery within and beyond the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), alongside The Passage and the Medaille Trust. 

“This was a great opportunity to present the outcomes of the research we conducted last year on ‘Access to healthcare and treatment for people subject to modern-day slavery and trafficking’ and to share a brief resource with recommendations for professionals on how to better support them in this process. 

Click here to read the full research paper: https://sjog.uk/publications-research.php

March 2025
 

Here to Help, SJOG's suicide prevention programme for people with autism, has been recognised as one of Europe's leading innovation projects.  At the Caritas European Innovation Festival held on Friday, 14 February, Here to Help was selected as a Caritas Laureate Programme, affirming its significant impact and effectiveness.

The festival showcased 42 pioneering initiatives from across Europe and beyond highlighting innovative solutions to social challenges.

Since its launch last summer, Here to Help has positively impacted over 19,000 people, with more than 950 professionals receiving autism-specific training.  The project's web platform has also seen remarkable engagement, recording over 70,000 interactions to date.

Ashley Wilson, Head of Quality and Service Development at SJOG presented the project at the festival, and an accompanying video was played highlighting the project’s aims and impacts on helping to reduce the prevalence of suicide amongst autistic people and those who support autistic people.

February 2025

SJOG has recently collaborated with Sleep Action, the UK’s oldest sleep charity and a leading provider of sleep support, training and resources, to produce a range of resources specifically for autistic people.

This collaboration was initiated in response to requests from parents of autistic children who we support through our Here to Help project, and have identified sleep as a priority area.

Together we have created a series of fact sheets, including general guidance on good sleep practices, as well as tailored advice on sleep for autistic adults and teens, parents of autistic children, parents of autistic teens, and the wider family unit.

SJOG's Autism and Suicide Prevention service manager, Rachael, has been working with Sleep Action to develop these resources.  "We’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Sleep Action on something that will make a real difference. The feedback we've received clearly shows that these resources are much needed, and we’re excited to share them with people."

You can access these resources on our Here to Help platform here:  https://here2help.uk/help-someone-else/

January 2025
 

Fairfields in Stockton has welcomed its new residents – five people who have a diagnosis of autism and associated complex conditions, and who require 24-hour care and support.

An extensive refurbishment has transformed the property to provide innovative space, a capable environment and SMART technology to enhance daily living.

The service, staffed by a team of highly skilled autism practitioners, specialises in practising an Autism Practice Quality of Life Model that encompasses the principles and practices of positive behaviour support.  A person-centred profile for each person is developed so that we can adapt environments to people’s unique needs.  This approach enables residents to achieve their personal goals and to be as independent as possible.

The opening of Fairfields will provide a model going forward for SJOG to provide more specialised support for people with autism and meet more need.

Best wishes are extended to the service, its team and the new residents as they settle into their home.
 

December 2024

SJOG’s Here to Help team has recently delivered online training to over 900 Samaritans listening volunteers, aimed at helping them better understand and communicate with neurodivergent callers.

The training focussed on effective communication strategies for autistic callers and connects to the essential services offered by Samaritans.

Research suggests that autistic individuals are seven times more likely to die by suicide than non-autistic individuals.

Some general factors influencing suicidality in the wider population, such as loneliness, feeling burdensome, and difficulties in expressing emotions, also affect autistic people.  However, there are additional, specific risk factors for suicidality among autistic individuals, including black-and-white thinking, social camouflaging, and challenges with emotional recognition.

Vanessa Hamilton, Assistant Director of Learning & Development, Samaritans said, “This was an excellent, informative and sensitively delivered webinar that gave great insights and practical tips on how Samaritans listening volunteers can better support our autistic callers.”

We are proud to support the Samaritans in delivering their vital services through our training.

To learn more about Here to Help, visit our platform: www.sjogheretohelp.uk

November 2024