The Order of St John

St John is a working Order of Chivalry and a modern organisation delivering first aid, healthcare and support services around the world.

In the Service of Humanity

St John promotes physical, mental and spiritual health and resilience in more than 35 countries, mostly in the Commonwealth. The Order delivers its charitable activities through local St John Ambulance organisations and the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital in Jerusalem.

Each Year, St John organisations train more than 2 million people in first aid and other healthcare activities. Worldwide, we treat over 1.2 million and reach more than 2.5 million beneficiaries with our services. We are linking local communities to national health services and increase community resilience through our programmes.

Find out more about how we increase community resilience

St John International

The International Secretariat of the Order – called St John International – is the supporting body for St John organisations. We are providing support services, based on individual assessments of the current activities and needs of our local organisation.

Community volunteers

At our core of our work are the 200,000 St John volunteers who give their own time, effort, and expertise to help others. They come from the local communities they are working in, and improve the lives of their own family, friends and neighbours through our services, while strengthening community resilience. Our volunteers are wearing the eight-pointed cross on their uniforms, proud to be part of our worldwide charitable movement.

Read here why Greg from St Lucia became a St John Volunteer.

Youth

St John empowers future generations to achieve their full potential. Our various worldwide youth programmes prepare children for community services. Children and adolescents learn essential first aid and home nursing skills, but also develop leadership abilities; today’s young volunteers are tomorrow’s doctors, first aid trainers, paramedics and life savers.

The chivalric Order

The Order of St John, formally known as The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, is a Royal Order of Chivalry first constituted as such by Royal Charter from Queen Victoria in 1888. Currently Queen Elizabeth II is the Sovereign Head of The Order of St John.

Read about our governance

Our work follows the twin motto of
Pro Fide and Pro Utilitate Hominum
(for the Faith and in the Service of Humanity).

The Order of St John is a Christian Order, found on Christian principles and what we do is motivated by Christian ideals. However, our services are open to everyone, and our members and volunteers come from all faiths and no faith. Christian clerics look after the welfare of St John staff and volunteers, as do Imams and Buddhist monks in some of the countries where we operate.

Latest

St John Solomon Islands assists people during violent riots

Since the outbreak of violent anti-government riots in the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, our national St John organisation has played a major role in maintaining ambulance services for people affected.
Our new global Mission

Our global Mission provides a powerful description of our purpose, binds us together and advances ambition and collaboration.
Strategic aims

We will develop our St John family of Charities into a truly global brand, leading in first aid and community health around the world.
Regionalisation

One of the most important tools for delivering the new strategy is the formation of three St John regions.

Vale Palmer Hamilton

It is with extreme sadness that we heard of the passing of our friend, colleague and former Prior of the Priory in the USA, Palmer Hamilton KStJ, following sudden illness.
St John celebrates Restart a Heart Day

Restart a Heart Day is held every October to encourage more people to learn CPR and life-saving skills through first aid training.
Vale Mark Strudwick

It is with a profound sense of sadness and grief that we learned of the passing of the former Prior of the Priory of Scotland, our friend, colleague and Confrere, Major General Mark Strudwick.
Dr Willmore installed as first female Chancellor

On 8th September 2021, Dr Gillian Willmore was installed as the new Chancellor of the Order by our Grand Prior, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester in the Priory Church of St John.
Introducing First Aid to Children

Johannniter International publishes "European First Aid for 5 to 7 years old" to celebrate World First Aid Day.
Susan le Jeune d'Allegeershecque announced as new Secretary General of The Order

His Royal Highness The Grand Prior has appointed Ms Susan le Jeune d'Allegeershecque as the next Secretary General of The Order. Susan will succeed Vice Admiral Sir Paul Lambert.
Restart a Heart Conference 2021

On 18 August, St John’s very first global Restart a Heart Conference took place online, with more than 90 participants from 15 countries dialing in to hear about collaboration amongst St John members to promote “Restart a Heart Day”.
Strengthening the collaboration between all Orders of St John: A St John’s Day Message from our Chancellor

To mark St John’s Day 2021, Dr Gillian Willmore reflects on her first year as Chancellor and the importance of fostering relations with other Johannine Orders.
St John celebrates Pride

June marks Pride month; four weeks during which the world celebrates diversity and equality in all its forms. St John is joining in the celebrations in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Johanniter International Assistance supports St John PNG

Seven members of the Johanniter International Assistance arrived in Port Moresby to support St John PNG at the new Nightingale COVID Centre. St John is setting up a field hospital to isolate and care for patients suffering from COVID-19.