A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE PRACTICAL CHARITABLE
WORK
UNDERTAKEN BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ALLIANCE
Germany.
Website: www.johanniterorden.de
The Fellowships/Prebends are responsible for pastoral
work in 23 hospitals, 35 centres for the elderly, in day clinics and
other social tasks. On a community level, the Johanniter meet in Sub-prebends for
intellectual and spiritual events. Alongside the Sub-prebends there are
more than 60 Aid Societies. These include some 4,000 members,
including Johanniters, as well as many ladies who have organised themselves
into voluntary groups and work closely with the Order to help the suffering.
The Johanniter-Schwesterschaft (Sisterhood) and the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe (for outreach help) complete the series of the pastoral services coming under the aegis of the Johanniter Order. About half the current membership of the Johanniter-Schwesterschaft of 600 nurses, are in active service in the Order hospitals, the rest are in other institutions. Johanniter Sisters are trained in the Sisterhood's own nursing schools.
The Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe (JUH) is the Order's largest enterprise. It has some 1,200,000 members, supported by around 3,500 young people who have chosen to do a social service instead of military national service. The Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe (JUH) is organised into state, regional and district associations. The main work of the JUH, including training and further education, is in the following areas: First Aid and nursing services; a rescue service; civil defence; the support, care and encouragement of those in need; and hospice support. In recent years, several new social services have been added including the running of around 150 social stations, the organisation of mobile social services, Meals on Wheels, and the support of children's day centres.
The JUH also carry out their duties in a number of other countries and work closely with foreign and international aid organisations. They are especially active in helping in international crises as a leading Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).