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 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?
🎤 Live Music at Belvedere House – Tuesday 16th July! 🎶
We’re delighted to announce that a talented live singer will be joining us at Belvedere House on Tuesday 16th July for an afternoon of music and memories!
From classic favourites to toe-tapping tunes, it promises to be a wonderful event for our residents — and we’d love to extend the invitation to their loved ones too. Please do join us to share in the joy, sing along, and enjoy a special afternoon together.
📍 Belvedere House Lounge
🕒 Start time: 2:30pm
#LiveMusic #BelvedereHouse #FamilyEvent #CreatingMemories #RoyalAlfredSeafarers
Jul 14
Fresh, Flavourful & Homegrown – Thanks to Our Volunteer, Ann.
Our residents recently tucked into Moroccan chicken flatbreads with homemade tzatziki, made extra special with crisp lettuce leaves grown onsite at The Royal Alfred by one of our amazing volunteers.
We’re so lucky to have such passionate people contributing to life here — from the kitchen team crafting delicious meals to the volunteer whose green fingers keep us supplied with homegrown fruit and veg.
Fancy trying it yourself? You can find the recipe here 👉 https://hungryhealthyhappy.com/moroccan-chicken-flatbreads/
#FreshFromTheGarden #HomegrownWithLove #VolunteerAppreciation #RoyalAlfredLife #PlotToPlate #CareHomeCatering #TzatzikiAndThanks #RecipeShare
Jul 13
With the sun shining and temperatures rising, hydration is more important than ever – and we`re always thinking of new ways to keep things cool and fun!
Our residents have been enjoying refreshing jelly drinks this week – a tasty twist on staying hydrated in the heat. They went down a treat!
Whether it’s water, squash, fruit, ice lollies, or jelly drinks, we’re making sure everyone stays safe, cool and well looked after in the warm weather.
#SummerVibes #StayHydrated #CareHomeLife #CreativeCare #KeepingCool #ResidentWellbeing
Jul 12
Celebrating Dedication and Commitment at Our Annual Long Service Awards 🌟
This week, we had the pleasure of holding our annual Long Service Awards lunch — a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible loyalty and contribution of our team.
Staff were presented with their long service badges by one of our trustees, Mrs Dorothy Ross-Tomlin, in a special ceremony followed by a celebratory lunch.
We’re proud to recognise:
🏅 20 Years of Service
• Janice Haughton-James
🏅 10 Years of Service
• Brigida Gruosso
• Ferdousa Khan
• Regina Twum
• Godfred Amponsah
• Adam Marshall
🏅 5 Years of Service
• Narainen Couttignane
Every name on this list represents years of hard work, care, and commitment to our community — and we’re incredibly grateful. Thank you for everything you do.
#LongServiceAwards #TeamRecognition #StaffAppreciation #ThankYou #CareSector
Jul 11
🎺 Oxted Brass Band – Live at Belvedere House! 🎶
Friday 12th July – All Welcome!
We’re thrilled to welcome the fantastic Oxted Brass Band back to Belvedere House for a rousing afternoon of music on Friday 12th July!
Their uplifting and timeless performances are always a hit with residents, and we’d love to invite friends and family to come along and enjoy the atmosphere too.
📍 Belvedere House
🕒 Performance starts at 2:30pm
🎷 Classic brass favourites and singalong tunes
Bring your smiles and join us for an afternoon of music, memories, and community spirit!
#OxtedBrassBand #BelvedereHouse #LiveMusic #FamilyWelcome #RoyalAlfredSeafarers
Jul 10
Looking sharp! Our vehicles are now proudly sporting our new logo, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the fresh new look.
Whether we’re out in the community or on-site at Weston Acres, our updated livery helps represent who we are — modern, professional, and proud of the work we do every day.
Keep an eye out for us on the road! 👀
#NewLook #ProudlyBranded #CommunityOnTheMove #WestonAcres #TeamWorkInMotion
Jul 9
Huge thanks to James for giving the inside of Weston Acres House a fresh new look! With the bright, fresh paint, the home where some of our tenants live feels even more welcoming and cheerful. It’s amazing how a refresh can brighten everyone’s day.
Here’s to making their home a place they’re proud of!
#WestonAcres #FreshPaint #BrightSpaces #CommunityCare #MakingADifference
Jul 8
🎉 Tickets are now on sale! ☀️🍹
Join us for our Summer Fundraising Party – a fantastic day of fun, food, and fundraising in support of a great cause!
Expect live music, delicious BBQ, games, raffle prizes and more. Whether you`re coming with friends, family, or flying solo, it’s set to be a brilliant afternoon for everyone.
Let’s make it a summer to remember – we can’t wait to see you there! 💛
#Fundraiser #SummerParty #TicketsNowOnSale #CommunitySpirit #SupportLocal
Jul 7
