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?
On a cold, wet day there is nothing better than keeping active indoors and table tennis was the perfect choice. 🏓
Activities like this are great for both physical and mental wellbeing. They help with coordination, gentle exercise, concentration, and social connection, as well as bringing plenty of laughter and friendly competition. It was lovely to see residents enjoying themselves and making the most of the day together.
#ActiveAgeing #Wellbeing #StayingActive #IndoorActivities #CommunityLife #LaterLife #MakingTheMostOfTheDay
Feb 26
Earlier this month we said a fond farewell to two much-valued colleagues as we marked their final day with us and presented them with a small token of our appreciation.
Lyn, our wonderful Chef, is retiring after 3 years of dedicated service. Her hard work, warmth, and the pride she took in looking after others through her cooking has meant so much to residents and colleagues alike. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her a long, happy, and well-earned retirement.
Andy, our Tenant Liaison Lead, is heading off to discover new opportunities. During his time with us, Andy has made a real difference through his approachability, professionalism, and genuine care for tenants. We thank him for everything he has contributed and wish him every success in the next chapter.
Thank you both for your service, dedication, and the positive impact you’ve had. You leave with our sincere thanks and very best wishes for the future. 💐
#ThankYou #Farewell #Retirement #NewBeginnings #TeamAppreciation #ServiceAndDedication #Grateful
Feb 25
We were incredibly moved to receive this card from the family of a resident we had the honour of caring for.
Looking after someone in their final years is a responsibility we never take for granted. Knowing that our care, kindness and time made a difference to both the resident and their loved ones means everything to our team.
Thank you for your trust, and for taking the time to share such kind words 🤍
#Grateful #ProudToCare #DignityInCare #Compassion #CareWithKindness #MakingADifference #TeamWork
Feb 24
A splash of colour and a lot of smiles 🎨
Our residents had a lovely time painting pebbles, getting creative and enjoying each other’s company. It’s always wonderful to see how simple activities can spark conversation, laughter and a real sense of calm.
Some beautiful little works of art were created today and every one of them tells a story 💙
#ResidentsActivities #CreativeMoments #ArtAndWellbeing #CommunityLife #MakingMemories #CareHomeLife
Feb 23
Liz led a wonderful jewellery-making activity recently, and it was an absolute hit with everyone involved. Residents really got stuck in, sharing ideas, chatting away, and creating some beautiful pieces to take away and treasure.
Huge thanks to Liz for leading such a joyful session. Activities like this aren’t just about what’s made, but the smiles, laughter, and connections created along the way. 💎
#MeaningfulActivities #CreativityAtAnyAge #Community #MakingMemories
Feb 22
🧧🐉 Happy Chinese New Year! 🐉🧧
On Tuesday we welcomed the Year of the Horse (2026) with a wonderful celebration full of delicious food, colour and community spirit here at The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society.
Our talented kitchen team prepared a special festive menu for residents to enjoy:
🥢 Lunch
Hong Kong Style Sweet & Sour Chicken with Egg Fried Rice
or
Beef & Black Bean Chow Mein
🍰 Dessert
Pancakes with Lemon & Sugar
or
Strawberries & Chocolate Sauce
🥣 Supper
Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup
Assorted Chinese Buffet Selection
🥭 Dessert
Chinese Mango Delight
The dining room looked fantastic, and it was lovely to see residents coming together to celebrate, share stories, and enjoy something a little different. Food has such a special way of bringing people together — and today was a perfect example of that.
A big thank you to our catering team for creating such a wonderful experience for everyone.
Wishing all our residents, families and friends health, happiness and prosperity for the year ahead. 🧧✨
#ChineseNewYear #YearOfTheHorse #RoyalAlfredSeafarers #CommunityCelebration #CareHomeLife
Feb 21
After 17 years of dedicated service, we recently said a very fond farewell to Shirley, our Housekeeping Manager and a truly valued member of our team.
Shirley’s commitment, professionalism and pride in her work have helped shape this home into the place it is today. She has led by example, supported and mentored others, and quietly gone above and beyond every single day, all while maintaining the highest standards and a genuine care for the people around her.
Her loyalty and work ethic speak for themselves, but it is her kindness, humour and calm presence that so many of us will miss most. Shirley leaves behind not just a legacy of excellent housekeeping, but a team she has helped nurture and prepare for the future.
We thank Shirley for everything she has given over the past 17 years and wish her a happy, healthy and well deserved retirement. She will always be part of the fabric of this home 💐
#Retirement
#ThankYouShirley
#LongService
#HousekeepingHero
#TeamAppreciation
#WellDeserved
#Grateful
Feb 20
🥞 Shrove Tuesday Treat! 🥞
On Tuesday we were thoroughly spoiled as Chef Pattie treated all the staff to freshly made pancakes for Shrove Tuesday!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of pancakes cooking to bring everyone together, and Pattie didn’t disappoint. From classic lemon and sugar to a few indulgent extras, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
It’s these small but thoughtful gestures that make such a difference to our team. A huge thank you to Pattie for taking the time to look after us while we look after our wonderful residents.
We hope everyone had a flipping fantastic Shrove Tuesday! 💛
#ShroveTuesday #TeamAppreciation #ThankYouChef #BelvedereHouse
Feb 19
