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?
🌙 We’re Hiring: Night Care Assistant (Bank Contract) 🌙
Are you a caring, reliable individual looking for flexible night work in a supportive care environment? We’re currently looking for a Night Care Assistant to join our team on a bank (zero-hours) contract.
About the role:
✨ Providing person-centred care and support to residents overnight
✨ Ensuring residents feel safe, comfortable, and supported
✨ Assisting with personal care, checks, and documentation
✨ Working as part of a friendly and professional night team
What we’re looking for:
✔️ A kind, compassionate approach
✔️ Reliability and flexibility for night shifts
✔️ Previous care experience is desirable (but not essential – training can be provided)
✔️ Right to work in the UK
What we offer:
🌟 Flexible shifts to suit your availability
🌟 Supportive management and team
🌟 A rewarding role making a real difference
📌 Please note: We are not accepting sponsorship applications at this time.
📧 To apply: Please send your CV to careers@royalalfred.org.uk
💙 Join us and help make nights safer and more comfortable for our residents.
Jan 8
Last week, our grounds were quietly transformed as the snow fell, leaving everything looking calm, crisp, and beautifully still.
There was something very special about seeing familiar pathways, trees, and gardens softened by a blanket of white – a peaceful moment to pause and appreciate the simple beauty around us.
A huge thank you to our Estates team, led by Nick, for working hard behind the scenes to make sure everything remained safe and accessible throughout the snowfall. Winter certainly gave us a little magic last week 🤍
#WinterWonderland #Snowfall #Teamwork #EstatesTeam #KeepingEveryoneSafe #SeasonalScenes #MomentsThatMatter #BeautifulSurroundings
Jan 7
✨ New Year’s Eve Lunch with Our Residents ✨
We rang in the final day of the year in the best possible way last week, around the table, enjoying good food and great company. 🍽️
The New Year’s Eve lunch was a real treat, featuring:
Guinea fowl suprême with a white wine & tarragon sauce
Tomato, mustard & fennel braised rabbit stew
Crispy hasselback potatoes
Cherry tomatoes and green beans
All beautifully cooked by Chef Lynn, and thoroughly enjoyed by our residents. Thank you for creating such a delicious and memorable meal. 💙
Here’s to good food, good company, and the year ahead 🥂
#NewYearsEve #ResidentsLunch #GoodFoodGoodCompany #CareHomeLife #CelebratingTogether #FreshlyCooked #ChefLynn #HasselbackPotatoes #EndOfYearCelebrations
Jan 6
A crisp, frosty morning around our grounds last week ❄️
There’s something really peaceful about seeing everything sparkle in the winter light. A reminder of how beautiful our surroundings are, even on the coldest of days. Stay warm everyone 💙
#carehome #seafarers #winter
Jan 5
✨ We’re looking for local mobile wellbeing providers ✨
We’re currently seeking qualified, insured professionals who provide mobile manicure and or massage services and have capacity to visit our care home.
These services are hugely valued by our residents and form an important part of their wellbeing and quality of life. We’re keen to work with reliable, compassionate providers who enjoy working in a care setting.
If you offer these services or know someone who does please get in touch via direct message, call us on 01737 360106 or email welcome@royalalfred.org.uk and we’d be happy to chat.
Thank you for supporting local care and wellbeing 💙
#CareHome #Wellbeing #MobileServices #Manicure #Massage #LocalBusiness #CommunityCare #ResidentWellbeing
Jan 4
Last week we celebrated Joan’s birthday in true Belvedere House style 🎉
The occasion was marked with a delicious homemade cake, lovingly decorated by Chef Pattie, and enjoyed by everyone.
Joan is one of our truly inspiring residents and one of the brave ladies who took part in last year’s skydive. Her courage, spirit, and sense of adventure continue to amaze us all.
Happy (belated) Birthday, Joan – and thank you for being such a wonderful part of our community.
#BelvedereHouse
#ResidentLife
#BirthdayCelebrations
#HomemadeWithLove
#CareHomeLife
#InspiringResidents
#SkydiveChallenge
#CommunitySpirit
Jan 3
Christmas might be but a distant memory, but there is still so much going on at Belvedere House throughout January. Please do come along and join in with your loved one.
#seafarers #carehomelife #activites
Jan 2
🎆 Happy New Year from The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society! 🎆
As we welcome 2026, we want to take a moment to reflect on the year gone by and to thank everyone who makes our community so special.
To our dedicated staff, volunteers, trustees and committee members, thank you for your hard work, compassion and commitment. Your efforts ensure our residents continue to receive exceptional care, comfort and companionship every single day.
To our residents and their families, you are at the heart of everything we do. Your trust means so much, and it is a privilege to support you and be a part of your lives.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to providing a safe, supportive and welcoming home for all who live with us here in Woodmansterne. We’re excited for the year to come and the opportunities it will bring for connection, community and continued improvement.
Wishing you all health, happiness and peace in 2026.
From all of us at The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society. 💙⚓️
Jan 1
