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
 

Trustees' Week is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of nearly one million trustees across the UK, and to honour their commitment and expertise which are vital to guiding organisations and making a lasting impact in the communities they exist to serve.

Trustees’ Week also provides a chance to connect, share experiences, and learn about becoming a trustee.  Whether as an existing trustee or interested in becoming one, Trustees’ Week offers events, training sessions, and guidance to help people develop their skills and deepen their understanding of the role. To find out more, click following the link: Trustees Week – Showcasing the work of charity trustees

At SJOG we thank Emma, Duncan, Lesley, Emma, Jack, Claire, Malachy, Abigail, Melanie, Mark, and soon to join us – Steve, for their commitment and huge range of skills and expertise they bring to SJOG.  And thank you to all the trustees who have previously served as trustees on our board.

https://sjog.uk/people.php

Follow us this week on social media to learn more: www.facebook.com/SJOGUK   https://www.linkedin.com/company/saint-john-of-god-hospitaller-services 

#TrusteesWeek

November 2024
 

Anti-slavery day takes places every year on 18th October and is a time to encourage governments, businesses, colleagues, family and friends to do what they can to prevent human trafficking and protect victims of modern slavery.  An estimated 40 million people are in modern slavery throughout the world and an estimated 122,000 people in the UK.

What is Human Trafficking?
The UN defined human trafficking in the Palermo Protocol as the ‘recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by means of threat, or use of force, coercion or deception…to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation’ . According to this definition, trafficking includes sexual exploitation, forced and bonded labour, domestic servitude, any form of slavery and removal of organs.

What are we doing at SJOG?
At SJOG we talk a lot about modern day slavery and human trafficking. We are the largest provider in the UK of safe houses that support people who have been subject to modern day slavery and human trafficking, as well as supporting many people through our outreach services in both London and the North-West. 

We invest in educating our colleagues, and all the people we come into contact with about slavery at human trafficking.  This included a session at our annual conference held on 16 October in the presence of over 100 colleagues, highlighting how we might spot the signs of modern slavery in terms of a person’s appearance, their behaviour and restricted movement.

We are also working with other organisations working in this area to lobby the UK government on the changes we would like to see in the way people have been subject to modern slavery or trafficking are supported.

“Together, we can break the chains of human trafficking and build a more just and equitable future for all.”

Read more at www.sjog1810.uk

#AntiSlaveryDay2024

October 2024
 

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. This year’s theme, which is set by the World Federation of Mental Health, is workplace mental health. The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities. 

People are encouraged to use this day to come together to talk about mental health and show how much mental health matters.

It matters at SJOG, and there are a number of initiatives we do already, but there is always more, and encouraging people to talk about their mental health will continue to be a priority.

Current initiatives:

• Bright Line - Bright Line is a dedicated confidential line run by SJOG Mental Health First Aiders to offer signposting and a friendly ear to colleagues who are struggling with their mental health.
• Wellbeing breaks - We prioritise the wellbeing of our colleagues and encourage dedicated 20-minute breaks, on top of regular ones, if needed.  When feeling overwhelmed, these breaks offer crucial moments to reset and recharge.
• Mental health first aiders - We recognise the importance of good mental health and are training colleagues to be first aiders in mental health in the same way we have physical first aiders.
• Self-care sessions - We host interactive sessions focusing on self-care, wellbeing, and stress management. Teaching effective strategies and tools for nurturing mental and physical health.
• Flexibility of work patterns - A good work and home life balance is very important and to support this we offer flexibility of work patterns wherever possible.
• 24/7 Access to a GP - Our health benefits package offers reimbursements on healthcare costs, and there is access to a GP helpline 24/7.
• Employee Assistance Programme - This counselling and advice portal offers a wealth of advice and support on: legal, family, relationships, money and health. Totally confidential and available 24/7.
• Meal a Day - SJOG are supporting colleagues by providing them with a ‘meal a day’ while they are at work.
• SJOG Step Club - The SJOG Step Club encourages colleagues to get moving and prioritise physical and mental health by tracking their steps and engaging in friendly competition with co-workers.

Follow us this week on social media to learn more:  www.facebook.com/SJOGUK   https://www.linkedin.com/company/saint-john-of-god-hospitaller-services 

 #WMHD2024

October 2024

Changing the narrative on suicide aims to inspire individuals, communities, organisations, and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support. 

It is estimated that there are currently more than 700,000 suicides per year worldwide, and we know that each suicide profoundly affects many more people. Suicide remains a critical global issue, affecting individuals and communities worldwide.

In July 2024, SJOG ’s Here to Help project was officially launched and focuses on suicide prevention among autistic people in the Teesside area. Autistic people are 9 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, and autistic young people are 28 times more likely to think about or attempt suicide than their non-autistic peers.

Since its launch the project has supported over 200 autistic people and 90 family members.  The number of professionals who have engaged with the project exceeds 220, and we have supported over 350 professionals with autism-specific training.

For more information about Here to Help go to:  www.sjog.uk/heretohelp

Follow us on our social media for more information and conversation: www.facebook.com/SJOGUK   https://www.linkedin.com/company/saint-john-of-god-hospitaller-services 

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay. #StartTheConversation

September 2024