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
-
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 2024 Impact Report brings that story to life – sharing the people, progress, and partnerships that shaped another remarkable year.
Did you know?
- In 2024, we delivered nearly 500,000 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 118 beneficiaries: 95 residents and 23 sheltered housing tenants
Hours of care
Days of support
Beneficiaries supported
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.
David Dominy, MA rcds
Chief Executive Royal Alfred, Captain Royal Navy (retired)
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
Admin Manager
Ready to learn more or get involved?
Last evening we were delighted to attend the Annual National Service for Seafarers at the beautiful #stpaulscathedral, hosted by The Seafarers’ Charity
It was a moving and memorable occasion, bringing together those who share a deep respect for the seafaring community, past and present. The service was a reminder of the sacrifices, dedication, and courage of all who serve at sea, and the importance of continuing to support them and their families.
We are proud to have been part of this special gathering and grateful to St Paul’s for hosting such a meaningful event.
#Seafarers #ANSS #StPauls #MaritimeCommunity #merchantnavy #royalnavy
Oct 9
Here`s some dates for your diary for later this month - lot`s going on as always at Belvedere House!
#activities #carehome #theroyalalfredseafarerssociety
Oct 8
🍇✨ A Wonderful Day at Denbies Vineyard ✨🍇
Recently some of our residents enjoyed a fabulous trip to Denbies Vineyard, and the feedback couldn’t have been better as everyone said what a brilliant day out it was! From the beautiful views to the friendly atmosphere, it was a perfect opportunity to relax, explore, and spend time together.
We’re so pleased our residents had such a memorable experience, and judging by the smiles, it was a day to remember.
#DenbiesVineyard #ResidentLife #BrilliantDayOut #MakingMemories #QualityTime #LifeAtBelvedereHouse #RoyalAlfredSeafarers
Oct 7
Another beautiful blanket from our Knit & Natter group! These handmade blankets will be keeping our residents cosy, especially on trips out as the days turn chillier.
The group is open to all, whether you’re a knitting pro or just fancy a chat, and meets every Friday at 2pm in the bar at Belvedere House. Why not pop along and join us?
#KnitAndNatter #CommunitySpirit #BelvedereHouse #HandmadeWithLove #ResidentLife #KeepingWarm #CareHomeCommunity
Oct 6
We were delighted to be invited to Reigate Town Hall recently, where our residents and tenants enjoyed a fascinating visit hosted by @rbbc_mayor .
It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the rich history of the building and the local area, as well as to ask questions and see parts of the Town Hall not usually open to the public.
A huge thank you to the Mayor for such a warm welcome and for making the day so enjoyable, our group had a fantastic time!
#Reigate #Community #CareHomeLife #ResidentExperience #History #LocalHeritage #Mayor #Together
Oct 5
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Neil for his extremely generous donation, which has enabled us to purchase new benches, chairs and tables for the courtyard off the Princess Royal Wing.
Neil’s wife, a proud former member of the WRNS, is one of our much-loved residents. His kindness means that she, along with many other residents and their families, will be able to enjoy this beautiful outdoor space in comfort. The courtyard is already a favourite spot to gather, and these new additions will make it an even more welcoming place to relax and spend time together.
On behalf of everyone at Belvedere House and The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, thank you, Neil, for your generosity and thoughtfulness.
#RoyalAlfredSeafarers #BelvedereHouse #ThankYou #WRNS #CommunitySupport #MakingADifference
Oct 4
We’re delighted to welcome The Parlour Singers to Belvedere House on Wednesday, 1st October 2025 at 2:30pm.
Join us in the Main Lounge for an afternoon of wonderful live music and uplifting entertainment. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy some great singing, meet friends, and share in a lovely community atmosphere.
📅 Date: 1st October 2025
🕝 Time: 2:30pm
📍 Location: Belvedere House, Main Lounge
We look forward to seeing you there!
Oct 3
✨🎄 Calling all stallholders! 🎄✨
Would you like to be part of our Christmas Market?
We’re looking for local sellers to join us on Monday 8th December at our Christmas Light Switch On.
🛍️ A perfect chance to showcase your festive goodies and gifts.
💡 The lights will be switched on at 4:30pm, so you’ll need to arrive with plenty of time to set up.
💷 There’s no charge for a stall – but a donation would be greatly appreciated.
If you’d like to join in the festive fun, please get in touch with us at: clinicadmin@royalalfred.org.uk
✨
Let’s make this Christmas sparkle together! 🌟
Oct 3
