Community Conversations with St John of God

The Community Conversations Podcast team recently had the privilege of speaking with the Provincial Secretary of the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God for a thoughtful and inspiring podcast conversation. Together, we explored the enduring values of hospitality, compassion, spirituality, accompaniment and inclusion that continue to shape Saint John of God services today. Reflecting on the history and future of the organisation, the conversation highlights the importance of lived experience, values-based engagement, community, and the shared mission of supporting people to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. The foundation laid by the Brothers continues to inspire the team here in St. John of God Community Services to support service users every day to have their voices heard, to contribute to their communities and to reach their true potential.

In this episode of Community Conversations from St. John of God Community Services, we explore the richness of cultural diversity within our teams and the impact it has on the people we support. Featuring colleagues from the Philippines, Uganda, and South Africa, this conversation highlights personal journeys to Ireland, experiences of welcome and belonging, and the shared values that unite us in our work. From frontline day services to leadership, our guests reflect on how compassion, respect, and hospitality show up in everyday practice. At the heart of the discussion is a commitment to person-centred care, recognizing each individual’s unique story, preferences, and goals. This episode is a celebration of the people behind the care, reminding us that diversity is not just something we value, but something we live every day.

Lisa Condren RUA Coordinator in Callan Institute joins us to discuss RUA.RUA is a supportive tool for individuals supported, their support staff and circles of support to think and talk about the importance of these areas in everyone's lives and helps us think about ways that people can be comfortable and get the support they need or want, in a way that suits their own individual needs. 

A new episode of our podcast is now available, focusing on a crucial piece of legislation for our work: Ireland's Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. We are joined by Siobhain Leonard, ADM Coordinator at Saint John of God North East Services, who provides expert insight into this landmark act.  

In this episode of Community Conversations, we speak with Dr. Sharon Hardiman, Senior Clinical Psychologist with St. John of God Community Services, Dublin South East. Dr. Hardiman shares her experience and insight into dementia in people with intellectual disabilities, exploring why conditions like Down syndrome place individuals at greater risk, how early signs may differ from the general population, and what supports make the most difference.   Drawing on her 17 years leading the Dementia Care and Assessment Team, and her current work with the Brain Busters Project, a research collaboration between St. John of God and University College Dublin, Dr. Hardiman discusses how families, staff, and services can promote healthy ageing, ensure early detection, and uphold dignity and inclusion for those living with dementia. This thoughtful conversation offers both practical guidance and hopeful perspective for anyone supporting people with intellectual disabilities as they age.

Join us on CommunityConversations, the SJOGCS Podcast from Ireland, as we explore how earlyintervention is changing lives in psychosis care. Featuring: Professor MaryClarke – Consultant Psychiatrist & Researcher and Annabel Meehan – Directorof Nursing, SJOGCS Cluain Mhuire Discover how the DETECTinitiative is reshaping mental health services through collaboration,innovation, and compassion.

Sharon Conway's sports career is seriously impressive. In this week, she breaks down how she uses sport as a tool for inclusion at St John of God Community Services, setting up amazing programs like Boccia + Trishaw biking. Join us for a powerful discussion on passion, purpose, and how the spirit of sport is one of the most powerful tools we have for inclusion and connection.

Tune in to the next "Community Conversations" to discover the real impact of volunteering with individuals with intellectual disabilities. Hear firsthand from two inspiring volunteers: Georgia O’Callaghan shares her unique one-to-one approach, including her therapy dog. Brendan Conway reflects on how group volunteering enriched his life and shifted his perspective. They’ll discuss personal growth, challenges, and how volunteering shapes their identity. Plus, Volunteer Coordinator Michelle Egan outlines how you can get involved, what’s expected, and the support provided. Listen to their powerful stories and learn how to make a difference!

Don’t miss our upcoming podcast featuring Sonia Callaghan, a registered Intellectual Disability Nurse from St. John of God Community Services - North East. Sonia will explore: The evolution of St. John of God’s supports toward a person-centered approach, reflecting shifts in Irish healthcare away from the medical model. Balancing compassionate care with individual autonomy and rights. Building meaningful, long-term relationships with those we support.

Join us for a great chat with three of the DAT Digital Accessibility Team from Liffey Services as we discuss how co-design can lead to better, more accessible digital solutions. We'll highlight each person's strengths—lived experience, facilitation, research, or tech know-how—and how those things come together to make real change. If you care about inclusion and innovation or want to hear how we can build a more accessible digital world, this one's for you. Let's keep co-designing a future that works for everyone!

In our latest episode of Community Conversations, we tackle the stigma and some of the misunderstandings surrounding psychosis with Dr. Keith Gaynor, a clinical psychologist and expert in early intervention. Join us as we explore what it means to experience psychosis, the importance of early intervention, and how we can support those affected. Dr. Gaynor shares, "Psychosis is not defined by what you experience but the impact that experience has on you. Early intervention can make a significant difference." He also recounts a personal story: "I once had a colleague who, after losing hours of work due to a computer crash, thought IT was sabotaging her. This is a perfect example of how stress can lead to paranoid thoughts, even in the most rational minds." Let's break down barriers and foster empathy together. Tune in and share to spread awareness. #MentalHealth #Psychosis #SJOGCS CommunityConversations #Podcast

Exciting news! Lucena Clinic, part of Saint John of God Community Mental Health Services, is now officially the first autism-friendly mental health service in Ireland! Join Fiona O’Donnell and Sarah Burns as they share the journey and impact of this groundbreaking neuro affirmative project. This initiative could set the standard for many other organisations in the mental health field and beyond. Stay tuned for more insights!

Tune in to listen to Dr Sonia Morris, Director of ADHD Ireland and current Operational Guidance Coordinator and Senior Clinical Psychologist with CAMHS, St. John of God Community Mental Health share some insightful thoughts on ADHD and Neurodiversity.

We’re excited to launch the Saint John of God Community Services Podcast Series called, ‘Community Conversations.’   In this first episode, host Caroline Dench, talks with Clare Dempsey, outgoing CEO of St. John of God Community Services. Clare speaks about her long and varied career with the organisation. She discusses how the values, of Hospitality, Compassion and Respect act as the ‘north star’ for the person-centred approach evident in everything that the St. John of God Community Services does. She talks about the privilege of being CEO of such a great organisation and highlights some of the new and innovative services in mental health and intellectual disability. Clare touches on well-being and how she enjoys sports, albeit of the armchair variety!. So, get comfortable, put on your headphones, and join us for a wonderful twenty-minute conversation.