Social Care Charity Supporting People in Jarrow and Sunderland Becomes The Do Good Charity

SJOG – Saint John of God Hospitaller Services – has become The Do Good Charity, but says there will be no change to the values or personalised approach underpinning its local care.

In Jarrow, the charity runs North View, a six-bedroom residential home providing 24-hour care and support for adults with learning disabilities, including people who may also be living with dementia. SJOG took responsibility for the service following a contract award from South Tyneside Council in 2024.

On Wearside, the organisation also provides a full management service for the Sisters of Mercy at Oaklea Convent in Sunderland, part of its specialist work supporting ageing religious communities.

The charity is one of the oldest, and largest, social care charities, established in the UK in 1880.

Its roots go back even further – more than 450 years – to the religious order that grew from the work of Saint John of God, who dedicated his life to caring for the poor and sick. His work became known in Italy as the Fatebenefratelli – the “Do Good Brothers”.

Founded in 1572, the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God is present in over 50 countries over five continents and supports the lives of millions.

To date, the UK charity has quietly delivered its work, in line with the quiet approach of its founder.

Paul Bott, Chief Executive of The Do Good Charity, said:

We're changing our name because we want everyone to feel welcome. It puts our purpose into plain English. Now we need people to know who we are because we want to share what we learn more widely. We want more people, communities, charities, supporters and partners to work with us so that together we can do more good.

“But we're not leaving behind the values that made us. Doing good has been at the heart of this organisation for generations.

Hospitality, Compassion and Respect remain the organisation’s core values.

At North View, personalised support is designed around each resident’s individual wishes and choices, with an emphasis on participating fully in the local community.

The charity nationally supports more than 1,800 people every month across 60 communities.

Paul added:

It’s a new name, but the same heart since 1880.