Nicola has proudly called house 3 and 4, SJOG's supported living service in Scorton, North Yorkshire, home for 22 years. Before that, she lived with her mum Rosamund, brother David, and sister Susan. She also spent two years at a residential college in Grimsby, learning independent living skills.

After returning home, Nicola got a call about a room at SJOG's house 3 and 4.   She went for a visit, liked what she saw, moved in, and has been there ever since!

Family is a big part of Nicola's life. She sadly lost her dad and her sister but is very close to her mum who she speaks to every evening, and they visit each other regularly. Her brother David often pops by and is always there when the seasons change, to help update Nicola's watches and clocks. Nicola also adores her three nieces, especially the youngest, who she 'loves to bits'.

Nicola enjoys her independence - doing her own washing and cleaning her bedroom and bathroom. She's glad to have the support of staff and family when needed, and the SJOG team makes sure she can be as independent as possible.

Nicola really enjoys attends her day service in Northallerton and her favourite pastimes include pub lunches and going to the shops especially to buy a can of Coke and some chocolate, which she loves. She likes to watch television, especially Heartbeat , 
Midsomer Murders , and the news.

And if you ask Nicola for a wise word, she'll tell you: "We're all Scrumptious Easter Eggs!"

Peter was cared and supported by the Brothers and SJOG for 80 years, since the age of 15. He died in July 2025 at his home at Rockliffe Court where he had lived since it opened in October 1989.

This is Peter's story:

Rockliffe Court opened on 28 October 1989. Peter remembers this date and remembers watching it being built.

Rockliffe Court is made up of self-contained accommodation, with support on hand 24-hours a day, and a range of communal areas where all residents can come together if they wish. Peter loved the lounge - a shared area where he enjoyed chatting to his friends and 'neighbours'.

Peter's life in care began at the age of 14, in accommodation run by nuns, but his move a year later to being cared for by Brothers of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God was where he felt happier.

His first home with the Brothers was at St Joseph's, Osterley Park in Lancashire, followed by a move to Barvin Park in Hertfordshire and then to St. Cuthbert's in Hurworth, near Darlington - all institutional models of care owned and managed by the Hospitaller Order.

From here he was able to watch his new home being built - a new model of care where people were able to live independently.

Peter's memories were long, but some of his favourite memories include the day he got his key to his front door - the first time he'd had his own front door, and getting the monkey puzzle tree for his 80th birthday

"I like it here; I like being able to come and go as I want; I like the staff - they are all nice; everyone is nice."

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Faisal was the first person to move into SJOG's first autism specific service which is in Stockton-on-Tees. This was a move for Faisal after many service breakdowns.

SJOG's Autism Quality of Life (ASQoL) practice model has enabled Faisal to have a full and active life. The ASQoL approach assists his support team in understanding his autism profile and how autism can impact his life, whilst the focussed skills teaching helps Faisal to develop his functional skills for independence.

Person-centred active support approaches have complemented Faisal's life, and he is now an active member of his community. He's fun loving and enjoys socialising and spending time with his family and support team. He likes going out for walks, days out by the seas, and he loves the trampoline that is built into the garden. He has also recently been supported to reconnect with his faith.

Everyone at Olallo House helped me on my journey to recovery from TB. It was a very hard few months, but with all the support and dedicated time and work, after several month I was able to leave. 

I was very happy and had made such good friends who felt like family. I will be forever grateful to all for supporting me on my journey.

*Name changed

Mr B is a 51 year old Chinese national and was trafficked into the UK in 2007. He was forced to grow cannabis and deal drugs by the same group of people by whom he was trafficked. Periods of detention followed in both an immigration detention centre and prison. It was a very difficult period. Mr B was eventually referred to the Salvation Army and onto

SJOG where he began his placement in the summer of 2019.

Mr B's mental health was not good. When he first arrived at SJOG he was stressed and depressed. He felt constantly anxious about his future, struggled to sleep and had nightmares. This all caused low mood and there were often incidents of abusive behaviour and displaying issues of anger management. This was exacerbated by his poor physical health.

The SJOG team were able to identify triggers for his behaviour and worked really hard on strategies to assuage his anger and abusiveness.

Whilst in SJOG's support Mr B's mental health improved. He began to gain confidence and felt less depressed. He was sleeping better and felt more reassured. His physical health also improved and he was able to manage his own medication and monitor his own blood sugar levels for his diabetes.

During his stay, Mr B gained his residency permit and granted leave to stay in UK. Staff supported him to access benefits and he is now ready to move onto supported accommodation.

Stock photo. Posed by model.

Our son Jamie

Jamie was born healthy in 1993; a much-loved son and younger brother to Daniel. Jamie was diagnosed with severe autism when he was 2 1/2. Shock and disbelief set in.

Research is something I am very passionate about, however the future looked bleak. Jamie was assessed many times and the words, "non-verbal" and "no hope" were received from many health professionals.

Jamie attended many autism specialist schools. The outcome was always the same "we can't provide for Jamie's complex needs." Jamie also attended a residential school/college with the same scenario  "he's too complex for us."

Many placements followed and eventually SJOG's Sandown Road was put forward by Health & Social Care. On the first visit to Sandown I met the team; they were friendly and very knowledgeable, and I felt a glimmer of hope.

Many visits later Jamie started living in this warm, welcoming home in Billingham.

There has been many challenges along the way but the staff have gone above and beyond my expectations to care and nurture my beloved son.

Jamie's personal care, medical needs and leisure needs continue to be addressed with enthusiasm, even at times when it must have been very challenging. Jamie still has his challenges, however his laugh and his sense of humour is second to none. Jamie trusts the staff and from a mum's perspective this is the best outcome I could have wished for.

Jamie recently moved into his new home at Fairfields in Stockton. Whilst previous transitions have proved challenging for him, this one went very smoothly, allowing Jamie to take the opportunity to add some positive aspects to his daily routine, which he is maintaining. The new building suits Jamie's needs with a large living room and garden with outside equipment that he has started to use.

Staff continue to support and engage with Jamie with scented oils, games and activities, whilst Jamie keeps everyone on their toes!

To see him thrive is the best outcome for an amazing young man. Thank you to all involved at SJOG.

Mary arrived at Olallo House in London suffering from TB, HIV and the trauma of having suffered at hands of traffickers. When she voluntarily left her homeland of Africa, wishing to leave behind a life of poverty, hunger, the prospect of a forced marriage and surrounded by corruption, it wasn’t a hard decision. People promised her all that she wished for.

Mary was sold and bought many times as her journey took her from Africa and through Europe. By the time she reached the UK she was no longer for sale; she was unwanted and damaged. No one would buy her. She was finally free, but in hospital and diagnosed with HIV and TB – a victim of trafficking and modern day slavery.

The TB treatment is a long process and she completed this at Olallo House. Mary suffered through the memories, trauma, illness, pain and loss, but with time and intensive support Mary slowly began to recover and rebuild her life.

Mary does not know what the future will bring but has taken great steps forwards and continues with her rehabilitation.

*Name changed, photo: model

Alan has lived at Dalby View, our service in Coulby Newham since it opened in 1993 - two bungalows, purpose-built for 8 young adults with physical disabilities. Alan was just 24 when this service became his home.

Alan likes listening to music and swimming. This was something he had not done for many years and asked via his 'ideas board'. This is something at Dalby where people are encouraged to put ideas about what additional things they would like and that could improve their lives and make them happy.

When Alan asked to go swimming, staff made it happen. With the involvement from staff at the local leisure centre and SJOG's support team, Alan had an amazing time. Other people from the service also joined Alan. Swimming is now a regular activity for everyone.

Emma also lives at Dalby View, and in her own words:

“My name is Emma. Sometimes friends and staff call me Emz or Emzy. I am a friendly, caring person and I like everyone I live with and the SJOG staff too. I also like visiting everyone in bungalow two next door.

I am a very girly girl and I love nice clothes, a strong cup of tea and a cheeky vodka and coke!

I communicate through talking but I am very softly spoken and you may need to listen carefully when I speak. If you would like to get to know me then having a cuppa is a great start, as well as paying me a compliment or two!

I love the singer Pink and Tina Turner. I have seen Tina Turner live and want to see Pink when she is next on tour in the UK.”

Sister Kevin lives in St Paul’s Nursing Home, Selly Park, Birmingham.

“I was born in Lancashire in 1923 and entered the Sisters of Charity of St. Paul, the Apostle in Selly Park in 1942.

I left a very happy family with my parents, six brothers and one sister to join another happy family. Once I set foot in Selly Park I never looked back - I felt at home immediately. I’ve worked throughout my life to support the Congregation’s mission in various places in England, South Africa and Scotland. When I retired, I returned to Selly Park and at the age of 97 years, my care needs increased and it was time for me to move to St. Paul's Care Home. Since I arrived in December 2020 I’ve settled in well and I feel I can still contribute to the life of the care home. I have got to know the staff and they know me, and respond very well to my needs.

I still have the opportunity to live my religious life, attend mass and prayers from the chapel gallery or from my room. I like to keep up with hobbies –it’s a good way of sharing your interests with others. St. Paul's offered me a home from home in my youth and now St. Paul's Care Home has become the home where I am well cared for.”

Walter came to Balmaclellan in 2021. Prior to this he had become poorly and because of his complex needs, find a suitable home for Walter to live was proving difficult for his family, who rang more than 15 providers - none of which could take Walter.

Since his arrival at SJOG, Walter has thrived. Everyone comments on his new-found wellbeing and confidence. "It's better here. I feel settled; I feel at home. I can do more things I like here. I like watching western films, playing dominoes, watching horse racing and car racing."