St John’s Care are celebrating 34 years in 2025.

What’s your name and position?

Jason Haines, Executive Officer

Robbie Speldewinde, Operations Manager of St John’s Care

How long have you been in Canberra and what do you love about it?

Robbie: I have lived in Canberra for my whole life aside from a five-year stint in the middle east as a child. My favourite thing about Canberra is how peaceful and quiet it is.

Jason: I have also lived in Canberra for my entire life aside from a three-year posting in the pacific region. The thing I love about Canberra the most is how close everything is and how close the bushland is to my doorstep.

How would you describe St John’s Care?

St John’s Care is a drop-in emergency relief centre dedicated to supporting the community by providing essential assistance, including food, transport, prescription aid, bedding, and clothing. In addition to these immediate needs, we offer more comprehensive support through Case Management and referrals to specialised services.

We meet people where they are on their journey, offering compassionate, tailored support. For those who require additional assistance, our Case Management service provides guidance and encouragement, helping individuals work towards and achieve their self-identified goals.

What do you love about it?

Our favourite things about St Johns Care are:

• Everyone is welcome
• Grass roots organisation with deep rooted ties in the community
• The support we receive from individuals, social groups, and organisations
• Our location in the city surrounded by green space
• The team of dedicated staff and volunteers who collaborate to support 1000’s of Canberran households each year
• No two days are the same

What are you most proud about when you think about your time with St John’s Care?

Jason: How St John’s Care has grown in staff and volunteers since I began working here in 2018 but has still maintained our authenticity.

Robbie: I am most proud of our growing presence in the community and the strong relationships we have built. These meaningful connections we have fostered with various groups and individuals has allowed us to provide more comprehensive support for our clients.

For anyone thinking about donating or helping St John’s Care, what would you say to them?

If you are considering donating to, or supporting St John’s Care, thank you! Your generosity makes a real difference in the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community.

Here how you can help:

• Donations – Contributions of food, clothing, bedding, or financial support go directly towards assisting individuals and families facing hardship. Every donation, helps provide essential relief.
• Volunteering – If you’re looking to make an impact in your community, we welcome volunteers to assist us in a number of ways. If you would like to learn more, you can contact us at programs@stjohnscare.org.au
• Spreading the word – Raising awareness about our organisation and the fantastic work we do in the community helps connect more people with the support they need and encourages others to contribute

And for anyone who’s thinking that they might need St John’s Care’s help, what would you say to them?

If you’re planning to visit St John’s Care, here are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your visit:

• No Appointment Needed – St John’s Care is a drop-in centre, so you can come in whenever you need support during our opening hours (9:30am – 2pm, Monday – Friday) excluding public holidays
• Bring Any Relevant Information – If you’re seeking specific assistance (e.g., prescription support or referrals), bringing relevant documents, such as ID or prescriptions, can help speed up the process
• Be Open About Your Needs – Our team is here to help where we can. The more we understand your situation, the better we can support you
• Respect and Confidentiality – St John’s Care is a safe and welcoming space for everyone. We treat all visitors with dignity and respect and maintain confidentiality in our services
• Ask About Additional Support – Beyond immediate assistance like food and clothing, we offer Case Management and referrals to other services that might help you in your journey

If you have any questions before visiting, feel free to contact us on 6248 7771 – we are here to help!