Our History

The Saint John of God Order has provided community services in Ireland since 1892. We have a successful track record of over a century in developing, strengthening and improving services for children & and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities and mental health problems.

Our work is governed by the need to prove support “where the need is greatest” and continues to grow from strength to strength.

 

1882: Saint John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, Dublin was founded to bring healing care to people with mental health problems.

 

 1930: Saint Augustine’s School, Blackrock, was founded; the first of seven schools, in Ireland for children  with an intellectual disability from around the country.

 

1946: St Mary’s, Drumcar for children with an intellectual disability, the fore-runner to the North East Services, opened.

 

1952: Oakley Park House, Celbridge was opened as the foundation of Saint John of God Kildare Services.

 

1955: Lucena Clinic Services opened its doors to provide mental health services to children and adolescents.

 

1961: Saint Joseph’s Nursing Home opened at Kilcroney, Bray and in 1995 opened at Shankill. It now specialises in the care for people living with dementia.

 

1964: Carmona Services, Glenageary was established to provide day services to children and adults with a learning disability.

Carmona Services

1964: Menni Services, Islandbridge was opened as a day centre for children and adults with a learning disability.

 

1972: Cluain Mhuire Community Mental Health Services, Blackrock, Co Dublin opened.

 

1980: Kerry Services, Tralee, was founded, now providing training, employment social and residential programmes for people with intellectual disabilities.

 

1982: First of six Care Homes opens in the UK providing residential care and support for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities opened.

 

1986: Suzanne House, Tallaght, opened to provide respite for children who are medically fragile or have a life limiting condition.

 

1993: Saint John of God establishes services in the northern region of Malawi.

 

2016: Saint John of God Services opened the first mental health centre built in the capital, Lilongwe, Malawi.