The Orders of St John Care Trust is a modern charity with a long and successful history of caring for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Founded in 1995 on the Christian values of love, compassion, respect and inclusivity, OSJCT continues the charitable legacy of its sponsoring orders, the Order of Malta and the Order of St John. Their care for others has been a mission since the Middle Ages. 

The Order of Malta and the Order of St John share a deeply intertwined history, tracing their roots to the medieval Knights Hospitaller, a Catholic order founded in the 11th century to provide care for sick and poor pilgrims of any faith and origin. 

Today, the Order of Malta is a global institution offering professional medical, social and humanitarian aid. Each year, the Order of Malta in Britain (BASMOM) presents Medals of Merit to OSJCT colleagues and volunteers in recognition of their outstanding service to care. This prestigious accolade is presented at a special investiture and mass at The Brompton Oratory in London, celebrating the dedication and exceptional support medallists provide to the Trust and its residents. 

The Order of St John has evolved into St John Ambulance, a major international provider of emergency medical aid. 

Residents and team members from Monkscroft Care Centre in Cheltenham eagerly participated in telling OSJCT’s unique history. They collaborated closely with Susannah Penn, PR and Communications Manager at OSJCT and Philippa Leslie, Communications Director at BASMOM, along with a professional film production crew. Their experiences of living and working were captured in the film, highlighting the Trust’s lasting impact. 

Activities Co-ordinator Rachel Mechan, who features in the film, says: “OSJCT has a positive influence on people’s lives, and our amazing residents and colleagues are best placed to share their own experiences. In the film, we all speak from the heart, there were no scripts. Our participation in the film honours the Orders’ legacy in a symbolic and meaningful way.” 

Nurse Eleanor Alexis added: “Our job is all about the residents and putting smiles on their faces. To see their smiles in this film, that was not staged. It’s reality captured in 6 minutes.” 

Resident Philip Eden, who stars in the film with his wife Valerie, said of his experience: “It was nice to be involved.” 

Judith Green, another resident who also stars in the film, shared: “I’ve done more here in the care home, than I would have ever done on my own. Living here is so rewarding.” 

Both of the sponsoring orders provide trustees and chaplains to the Trust. In the film, Mark Everall, Chair of Trustees, and The Very Reverend Nicholas Frayling share their perspectives on OSJCT’s mission and values, emphasizing its enduring commitment to compassionate care. 

Filming also took place at The Museum of the Order of St John in London. Located in the historic St John’s Gate, the museum includes galleries, historic rooms, a church and crypt and the Cloister Garden. 

The film, which was made possible by a generous grant from the Order of Malta, premiered at Monkscroft, allowing residents and team members to celebrate its release together.