JOINews September


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Monthly Newsletter

September 2022

News from the Network

Vale HM the Queen: Lord Prior addresses all St John people

It is with great sadness that the JOIN family learnt of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen on 8th September. She was Sovereign Head of the Order of St John for more than 70 years and has been a great supporter and source of guidance for the work of all St John people. Our thoughts and prayers are with the royal family. Following the sad news, the Lord Prior of the Order of St John, Professor Mark Compton, has written a letter to all St John people. Read the document here.

The Order of St John at the State Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II

The Order of St John took part in the ceremonial procession at the State Funeral on 19th September in Westminster Abbey. The Lord Prior Professor Mark Compton was joined by Dr Ahmad Ma’ali, representing the Jerusalem Eye Hospital and the Order’s medical work, and Nikkita Charag, an outstanding St John Ambulance youth leader and volunteer from Newcastle. The members of the Order of St John paid their respects and gave thanks for the Queen’s lifetime of service. They pledged their loyalty to His Majesty King Charles and reaffirmed their willingness to serve the Order and uphold its values in the same spirit of dedication and commitment which characterised every minute of the late Queen’s life. Read more here.

Update on humanitarian aid for Ukraine

JOIN members have been able to provide aid to tens of thousands of people in Ukraine, neighbouring countries, and in their respective countries. The ongoing war and the approaching winter make long-term aid and further emergency relief necessary. Seven months after the start of the war, our members continue to expand their aid activities. Next to immediate emergency relief, transport services, as well as support to refugees, members carry out medical deliveries to hospitals in Ukraine. Two of the latest activities comprise Johanniter Germany’s help with integration programs and psychosocial emergency care for refugees in Germany and Johannita Hungary’s provision of in-kind donations and durable food to Transcarpathia. Read all updates on our network activity for Ukraine here.

Polish team of volunteers at the Johanniter Day in Berlin

On 17th September, Johanniter Germany held its annual first aid competitions throughout Germany. In Berlin, the 160 volunteers from the Johanniter branches in Berlin-Brandenburg were joined by a team of Joannici from Poland for a day of exercises in the area of first aid and rescue. The volunteers competed for the title of ‘best rescuer’ in multiple categories, met and made friends, learnt from each other, and demonstrated their skills.

Volunteer Swap

Two English volunteers at the Rantamaraton in Finland

From 17th to 19th September, the annual Rantamaraton took place by the seaside of Espoo City. Our Finish member was supported by two volunteers from St John Ambulance in England. Jamie and Diamond travelled to Espoo, where they joined Johanniter Finland and provided medical coverage and first aid to the runners and spectators. Read Jamie’s report on her Volunteer Swap experience in Finland.

News from the members

Austria: Opening of a new Community Nursing counselling centre

On 13th September, the Community Nursing Team of our Austrian member invited citizens to the opening of a new counselling centre. A Community Nurse accompanies older people who want to remain independent in their familiar surroundings and people in need of care and their relatives on this path. At the centre, people can get to know the team in an informal setting and have their questions about preventive care and nursing answered. Community Nurses make home visits and offer individual advice on preventative health care as well as care and support services. The offer is free of charge and is supported by the NextGenerationEU program. Read more (in German) here.

England: Free e-module on mental health

Our English member has created a free e-module that offers an introduction to mental health. This online learning module provides an overview of what mental health is, addresses mental health in the workplace, and clarifies terminology around mental health and related topics. Anyone can sign up to use St John Ambulance’s online learning platform as a way to start understanding issues around our mental health. Access the free module here.

The Netherlands: Volunteer event

On 17th September, our Dutch member organised its annual special celebration of its volunteers to thank them for the impact they make on the lives of countless vulnerable people. Having had to cancel the event in the previous two years, Johanniter Nederland organised this year’s event in an extraordinary location: the Palais Het Loo. The day also marked the 65th anniversary of an integral part of their work, the Johanniter vacations for older lonely people and those in need of care. About 300 volunteers joined the day-long celebrations. Read more (in Dutch) here.

News from Europe

World First Aid Day 2022

Taking place on the second Saturday in September every year, World First Aid Day aims to raise awareness of how first aid can prevent injuries and save lives in everyday situations. On 10th September, we thank all our first aid volunteers, staff, and members across the globe for the amazing work they all do, saving and improving lives on a daily basis. JOIN members believe that first aid should be accessible to all. Therefore, the JOIN Clinical Working Group developed the European First Aid Guidelines freely available in 17 languages as well as two stories for children, covering the basic concepts of first aid, along with guidance for teachers and instructors. Download the material at www.firstaidjoin.org

European Research and Innovation Days

The European Research and Innovation Days took place online on 28th and 29th September. It is the European Commission’s annual flagship Research and Innovation event, bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and the public to address the future of research and innovation in Europe and beyond. The JOIN Office attended the sessions focused on health and youth and the launch of the Horizon Europe strategic planning 2025-2027. It also joined the discussion of the new European Innovation Agenda, the European Year of Youth and the EU Missions. Watch the recordings here.

EU MODEX in Austria

From 8th to 11th September, the EU MODEX was held in Eisenerz, Austria. The exercise, coordinated by Johanniter Germany, followed the scenario of a heavy earthquake causing structural damage to buildings in a mining area and surrounding caves. 148 participants from Austria, France, Poland, Slovenia and Spain participated and improved their skills in the heavy rain and harsh sun that followed. Due to the variety of challenges in the scenario, not only Urban Search and Rescue modules were deployed, but also a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (drone), a K9 unit and cave search and rescue teams to accomplish all tasks. Watch the video of the exercise here.

Johanniter International

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