SJOG Hospitaller Services

Saint John of God Hospitaller Services (SJOG) is a charity registered in the UK that supports vulnerable people to lead independent lives and realise their potential; people with learning and physical disabilities, mental health problems, elderly people, people who have difficulties with drug and alcohol abuse, migrants who are vulnerable to homelessness, and victims of modern day slavery.

How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?

Here to Help is a new service within SJOG raising awareness of the risk of suicide for autistic people. By engaging with people with lived experience, the project has been co-designed to produce a range of accessible resources through an interactive website.

What are your current priorities?

-Supporting people, families and professionals, in particular across the Tees Valley area.
-Development of a support toolkit offering a range of strategies and resources for young people aged 14yrs into adulthood.
-Development of online resource hub.
-Awareness campaigns to inform and educate on autism, mental health and suicide risks through SJOG mobile sensory unit.

What challenges are you currently facing?

There is no standard approach to support, therefore, understanding individual needs and ensuring long-term engagement within the programme is seen as a challenge.