About us
Our history
For more than 100 years, St John Ambulance Cymru have been at the heart of Welsh communities, providing a lifeline to the people of Wales.
Our story is one of service, commitment, and the belief that everyone should have the skills and confidence to help in an emergency.
Find out more about our history below to learn how we’ve evolved from the First World War to modern-day Wales.
Our beginnings
The work of St John in Wales began in the early 20th century, inspired by a global movement to bring first aid training and care into local communities. What started with small groups of dedicated volunteers quickly grew into a nationwide presence, with members delivering first aid at public events, teaching lifesaving skills, and supporting people in times of crisis.
The Order of St John
St John Ambulance Cymru’s Priory for Wales is an independent Priory of the Order of St John, which is a working Order of Chivalry of the British Crown and a modern organisation delivering first aid, healthcare, and support services across the world. The Order’s motto is ‘Pro Fide Pro Utilitate Hominum‘ – which means, ‘For the Faith and in the Service of Humanity’.
Growing with Wales
Over the decades, our role has evolved to meet the changing needs of society. From providing emergency response during wartime to supporting the NHS and wider community in times of challenge, we have always been there when Wales needed us. Our volunteers became a familiar sight at sporting fixtures, concerts, and local gatherings — ready to step forward whenever help was required.
St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital
The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group is the only charitable provider of expert eye care in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. They treat patients regardless of their ethnicity, religion or ability to pay. The group has three hospitals, a clinic and two mobile outreach teams who give treatment and care in the community. Their two outreach teams alone treat over 17,000 people each year!
Wales as a community of lifesavers
Today, St John Ambulance Cymru believe everyone should learn basic first aid skills. Since the beginning we’ve trained people in first aid at work and in communities. Accessibility to first aid training was improved after we made the Preliminary Course in First Aid and Nursing available in Welsh, and in 1923 the organisation set up the first Cadet Brigade in Wales, meaning for the first time, children and young people in Wales had the opportunity to learn lifesaving skills.
