OUR SOCIETY – 16O YEARS OF CARE
Honouring our heritage, welcoming everyone
For 160 years, the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society has been a safe haven for those who dedicated their lives to the sea. Founded to care for retired and infirm seafarers, we’ve evolved into a specialist care provider, offering expert support in a home filled with history, warmth, and companionship.
While our maritime heritage remains at the heart of who we are, we warmly welcome all who seek a supportive, caring, and fulfilling place to call home. Whether you’re a former seafarer, a seafaring dependant, a veteran, or a member of the local community, you’ll be valued, respected, and embraced as part of our extended family.
Our charitable objectives
We’re proud to support seafarers – and those connected to the sea – whatever their circumstances. Through excellent care, high-quality facilities, and maritime camaraderie, we’re a place where strong friendships thrive.
What we offer »
What we offer
- Nursing, dementia, and respite care
- Subsidised sheltered housing
Who benefits »
Who benefits
- Seafarers who receive financial support across all care types
- Retired seafarers and their partners living in subsidised sheltered housing
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Veterans may also be eligible – please get in touch to find out more
Made possible thanks to »
Made possible thanks to
- Private donations, legacies and community fundraising
- Grants and top up fees from our seafaring partners
- The voluntary commitment of our trustees as we deliver our strategy: “Thrive – a Passage to 2035”
Our impact
With generations of service under our belt, we’re proud of the difference the Society makes every single day. Our 2025 Impact Report brings that story to life – sharing the people, progress, and partnerships that shaped another remarkable year.
Did you know?
- In 2025, we delivered 502,474 hours of care to the residents in our Belvedere House Care Home
- We gave nearly 7,300 days of support to tenants at Weston Acres Sheltered Housing
- In total, we supported 80 seafarers and 19 veterans including 20 sheltered housing tenants
Hours of care
Days of support
Seafarers and Veterans
The role our people play
Exceptional care starts with exceptional people.
We’re guided by an expert Board of Trustees, each bringing knowledge, experience, and unwavering commitment. And our ship is steered by a highly skilled Senior Management Team, led by our dynamic Chief Executive.
But it’s our frontline teams who truly make the difference – providing daily care, comfort, and companionship to our residents, tenants, and their families. Their dedication is at the heart of everything we do.
Our founding story
Before the Society was founded in 1865, life after sea was often short, bleak, and unsupported.
This timeline traces how public awareness grew – and how compassion turned into action, giving rise to the first Belvedere House, the namesake of our care home today.
The Chatham Chest
Queen Elizabeth I authorises a fund to support wounded or disabled seamen, stored in a great timber chest at Chatham Dockyard. It marks one of the earliest efforts to care for those injured in service.
Changing Tides
The Chatham Chest merges with the Royal Greenwich Hospital and is eventually dissolved. Merchant seamen, often excluded from naval support, are left without protection.
Post-War Poverty
The end of the Napoleonic Wars sees 125,000 seamen laid off. In the absence of state support, private individuals begin founding charities to care for sick, injured, and elderly seafarers.
A Call to Action
On 17 July, a landmark meeting at Mansion House in London calls for the creation of a hospital for “worn-out and disabled merchant seamen.” The motion is passed with unanimous support.
The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society is Born
The Society opens its first home for retired seafarers at Belvedere House in Erith. A new chapter begins – one of compassion, camaraderie, and care.
The first 150 years
In 2015, to mark our 150th anniversary, we published Home From Sea – a beautifully researched and richly illustrated book charting the Society’s remarkable journey from its inception. Largely researched and written by John Allen, it brings our story to life, from 1865 to the present day.
Words of appreciation
Real voices, real impact – here’s what people say about our work
It’s a privilege to serve at Royal Alfred.
The sea has been good to me, and I’d like to give something back. I can’t think of a more deserving maritime cause.
Captain Adrian McCourt MNM
Trustee
It’s my great privilege.
My rewarding career in the Royal Navy was made by fabulous British seafarers. It is my great privilege to continue to support mariners and their loved ones at Royal Alfred as they continue their voyages.
Dr Peter J Inkpen DBA MCIPD FCMI
Chief Executive Royal Alfred, Royal Navy Veteran
I will always remember.
I had the pleasure of meeting The Princess Royal at my first AGM since joining the Charity in July 2023 and I was lucky enough to introduce my group to her. It is something I will always remember.
Lindsay Hood
Business Manager
Ready to learn more or get involved?
🪔✨ A little Diwali joy at Royal Alfred ✨🪔
Our team recently brought the colours, flavours and traditions of #Diwali to our home, sharing delicious homemade treats and creating a beautiful display for residents and colleagues to enjoy.
It was a wonderful way to celebrate the Festival of Lights, learn about different cultures and spend time together as one community.
A huge thank you to everyone who shared their traditions and helped make the day so special. ❤️
#FestivalOfLights #RoyalAlfred #CareHomeLife #CelebratingTogether #Community #Inclusion #Banstead #CareWithHeart
Nov 14
🌺 Lest We Forget
This week, the #RoyalAlfred community joined the nation in remembrance.
On #RemembranceSunday, Royal Alfred representatives attended the #CenotaphParade in London, while Alice Mitroi and Damian Walicki laid a wreath at the #Banstead War Memorial on behalf of our community.
Today, residents, tenants and staff gathered to observe the Two-Minute Silence, watching the national commemorations and taking time to remember those who served and sacrificed.
For many within Royal Alfred, Remembrance is deeply personal. As a #community with strong naval, military and maritime connections, it is an opportunity to reflect on the courage, service and dedication of generations past and present.
🌺 We remember the fallen.
🌺 We remember the veterans.
🌺 We remember the families.
#LestWeForget.
#RemembranceDay #Veterans #Seafarers #RoyalNavy #MerchantNavy #LifeAtRoyalAlfred
Nov 11
⚓ A big thank you to our Trustees ⚓
While they may not always be in the spotlight, our #Trustees play a vital role in helping the Royal Alfred Seafarers` Society continue to support older seafarers and their dependants.
Their knowledge, guidance and dedication help shape our future, strengthen our charity and ensure our residents remain at the centre of everything we do.
This Trustees` Week, we`re taking a moment to recognise and thank them for the time, care and expertise they so generously give.
👏 Thank you for helping us navigate the journey ahead.
#TrusteesWeek #RoyalAlfred #Charity #SocialCare #MaritimeHeritage #MakingADifference #Seafarers #ThankYou
Nov 10
In Memory of the Brave 🌺
A poppy. A pause. A moment to remember.
Today, our #RoyalAlfred community came together to honour the men and women who served, and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
At Banstead War Memorial, Alice Mitroi and Damian Walicki laid a wreath on behalf of the Society, while at Belvedere House residents, staff and visitors gathered in quiet reflection.
Many of our residents have personal connections to military and maritime service, making today especially meaningful within our community.
We remember their courage, their service and their sacrifice.
❤️ We will remember them.
#RemembranceDay #WeWillRememberThem #LestWeForget #Veterans #Seafarers #Banstead #RoyalNavy #MerchantNavy #Army #RAF #ArmedForcesCommunity
Nov 8
⚓ Proud to be featured ⚓
We`re pleased to see #RoyalAlfred featured in the latest #TrinityHouse Autumn Flash Magazine.
As a charity with seafaring at its heart, it`s always wonderful to help spread awareness of the support, care and community available to seafarers, veterans and their families.
A big thank you to Trinity House for highlighting the work of organisations that continue to support those with connections to the sea. 💙
Here`s to the people, stories and maritime heritage that bring our community together.
#Seafarers #MaritimeCharity #Veterans #MaritimeCommunity #LifeAtRoyalAlfred #SupportingSeafarers #MaritimeHeritage
Nov 4
🎃✨ Spooky season has arrived at Royal Alfred! ✨👻
Our Home is looking wonderfully festive thanks to the creativity of our residents, tenants and team. 🧡
🎃 Hand-carved pumpkins at the front door
🕸️ Halloween decorations throughout the Home
👻 Staff joining in with fancy dress fun
😊 Lots of smiles along the way
We`ve loved seeing everyone`s ideas come to life and watching the Home transform for Halloween.
It`s amazing how a few pumpkins, a little creativity and a lot of community spirit can bring so much joy. 🧡
Wishing everyone a happy, safe and fun Halloween! 🎃👻
#RoyalAlfred #HalloweenAtRoyalAlfred #PumpkinCarving #CareHomeLife #LifeAtRoyalAlfred #CommunitySpirit #AutumnFun #MakingMemories #Halloween2026
Oct 31
A special visit to Royal Alfred
This week, we were pleased to welcome representatives from the Department of Health and Social Care, including the Deputy Director for Adult Social Care Workforce, a Policy Advisor for Adult Social Care Resilience, a Policy Advisor for Health and Social Care Integration, and the CEO of the National Care Forum.
During their visit, guests toured our care home and sheltered housing community with Home Manager Alice Mitroi and Executive Assistant to the CEO Maria Jobson, met members of our team, joined residents and tenants for Exercise with Jo, and spent time getting to know the people who make Royal Alfred such a special place.
The most valuable part of the visit was the opportunity to hear directly from residents, tenants and their loved ones about life at Royal Alfred and the sense of community that exists here every day. 💙
Thank you to our guests for spending time with us and learning more about the people at the heart of our organisation.
#RoyalAlfred #AdultSocialCare #NationalCareForum #LifeAtRoyalAlfred #CareHomeLife #ShelteredHousing #VeteransCare #CommunitySpirit #ResidentWellbeing
Oct 30
🧸 A little softness goes a long way ✨
For Plush Animal Lover’s Day, we`ve been meeting some of the cutest residents at Royal Alfred... and we`re not talking about the human ones!
From teddy bears and rabbits to dogs and other cuddly companions, many of our residents keep a special soft friend nearby.
They may be small, but they often carry big memories, bringing comfort, familiarity and a reminder of happy moments.
🐻 Because you`re never too old for a favourite teddy.
🐰 Never too old for comfort.
🐶 And never too old to keep a little of your inner child.
We love seeing the personal touches that make each resident`s room feel truly like home.
#RoyalAlfred #PlushAnimalLoversDay #LifeAtRoyalAlfred #CareHomeLife #Wellbeing #Comfort #MakingItHome #MentalWellbeing #ResidentLife #LittleThingsMatter
Oct 28
