St John Today

The difference between a life lost and a life saved.

Further images

  • Modern oil painting of a twentieth century building set amongst trees in a rocky landscape
  • Logo of the Order of St John
  • Photograph of a small child being examined by an ophthalmologist
  • Photograph of HRH The Duke of Gloucester with Nelson Mandela, both wearing the robes of Knights of the Order of St John
  • Logo of St John Ambulance showing the eight-pointed cross
  • Photograph of children sitting on a lawn in front of a modern hospital building in bright sunshine

The Order of St John

The Order of St John is a major international charity, accredited to the United Nations, whose organisations provide First Aid, health care and support services in over 40 countries around the world. The Order's charitable work is carried out by the St John Eye Hospital Group in Jerusalem and St John Ambulance organisations worldwide, with volunteers and staff of over 250,000.

The Order of St John traces its origins back 900 years to the Knights Hospitaller from whom St John today derives its inspiration and maxims:

Pro Fide Pro Utilitate Hominum,
—'For the Faith and in the Service of Humanity.'

The Order of St John itself is an Order of Chivalry of the British Crown with 25,000 members around the world. The full name of the Order of St John is The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.

Visit orderofstjohn.org to find out more.

A St John Ambulance Crew In Uganda

Photograph of African volunteers for St John Ambulance standing beside an ambulance

The St John Eye Hospital

The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group is a Foundation of The Order of St John, the oldest charity in the world. The Hospital Group is the main provider of eye care in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The hospital not only treats patients, but also trains local doctors and nurses. The hospital treats patients regardless of race, religion or ability to pay.

Visit stjohneyehospital.org to find out more.

St John Ambulance

St John Ambulance is the leading provider of First Aid training in England today. Its aim is to ensure that everyone who needs it receives First Aid from those around them.

The mission of St John Ambulance is:

  • To provide an effective and efficient charitable First Aid service to local communities
  • To provide training and products to satisfy First Aid and related health and safety needs for all society
  • To encourage personal development for people of all ages, through training and by membership of our organisation

Visit sja.org.uk to find out more.