Help us make a difference
Be part of our mission
For 160 years, the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society has been a safe haven for former seafarers and their spouses or partners – ensuring they receive the care, dignity, and respect they deserve.
As a registered charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals, families, and organisations to continue our vital work.
By supporting us, you become part of a proud legacy of care and compassion. Whether through a donation, legacy gift, volunteering, or sponsorship, your contribution helps us continue our mission and make life better for those who once served at sea.
donate today
Give back to those who’ve served
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference.
Whether navigating stormy waters or working tirelessly behind the scenes, the men and women of the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, and wider maritime community have played a vital role in our nation’s history. Now in their later years, they deserve the same dedication and care they once gave in service.
Make a one-off or regular donation and help us continue to provide exceptional care, companionship, and community.
Leave a legacy
A gift that lasts a lifetime
Leaving a gift in your will is a powerful way to continue your values of care, service, and support.
Many assume legacy gifts must be large – but every contribution, no matter the size, has a lasting impact. Your support helps us to maintain and enhance our services, improve facilities, and ensure future generations of seafarers have a safe and welcoming place to call home.
By choosing to remember Royal Alfred, you help safeguard our mission for years to come.
To discuss leaving a legacy, please call 01737 353763 or email enquiries@royalalfred.org.uk
Volunteer with us
Enrich lives, including your own
Volunteers are the heartbeat of our home – bringing joy, energy, and friendship to life at Belvedere House.
Whether it’s a few hours a week or occasional support, you can brighten lives and bring genuine companionship to residents.
Did you know?
- 93% of volunteers say they enjoy their experience
- 90% feel they’ve made a difference
- 77% say volunteering has improved their wellbeing
(source: YouGov for NCVO)
Ways you can get involved:
- Befriending & social engagement – Chat, share stories, or simply be a friendly face
- Activity & event support – Help with crafts, music sessions, and outings
- Skills-based volunteering – Use your professional skills to support fundraising, IT, admin, or estates
- Community engagement – Build stronger ties with local schools, groups, and our neighbours
Find out more about volunteering by calling 01737 360106 or emailing careers@royalalfred.org.uk
Sponsorship & fundraising
Making a meaningful impact
From funding a garden bench and sponsoring a major project to organising a community fundraiser, your support helps us continue delivering exceptional care.
Whether you’re an individual, group, or company, there are lots of ways to get involved.
Ways to support us:
- Corporate sponsorship – Partner with us to fund a service, facility, or community project
- Fundraising events – Organise your own event or take on a sponsored challenge
- In-kind support – Donate goods, services, or expertise
Every gift and gesture helps. Get in touch to explore current sponsorship and fundraising opportunities.
Talk with us about sponsorship by calling 01737 353763 or emailing enquiries@royalalfred.org.uk
Thanks to our seafaring and community partners
We’re proud to work alongside a wide range of seafaring and community organisations who help make our work possible – through grants, collaborative projects, in-kind support, and more.
There’s often a gap between what government funding covers and the true cost of providing high-quality care. That’s where grant-making partners play a vital role – helping us ensure that seafarers and their loved ones can access excellent care and subsidised housing, regardless of their means.
We are also grateful to the local organisations who regularly support our work in ways that bring joy and connection to daily life at Royal Alfred.
Thank you for being part of our story.
Ways to get in touch
Your generosity directly supports the lives of our residents – ensuring they receive the care, companionship, and dignity they deserve.
We’d love to hear from you and explore how we can work together.
For legacy enquiries
01737 353763
enquiries@royalalfred.org.uk
For volunteering enquiries
01737 360106 (ask for our recruitment team)
careers@royalalfred.org.uk
For all other enquiries
01737 360106 (ask for our admin team)
welcome@royalalfred.org.uk
Words of appreciation
Real voices, real impact – here’s what people say about working with us:
Such a rewarding experience.
Volunteering at the Royal Alfred was such a rewarding experience. It was great to see the difference we could make… the warm welcome from staff and residents made the day even more special.
Maggie, Bytes Software Services
A donation in her memory.
My mother passed away at the end of November. We could not have wished for a better place for her to spend the last seven years of her life. Thank you so very much for all you have done to make her life so comfortable. Please accept this cheque as a donation in her memory.
Family member
A chance to give back.
Fundraising is my way of honouring our residents and giving something back to the generation who have paved the way for us.
Damian, Deputy Clinical Manager,
Royal Alfred
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
Cake, community and courage!
A huge thank you to everyone who supported our recent cake sale — whether you baked, bought, or both! Together we raised a fantastic £147 towards our upcoming sky dive fundraiser, and we’re so grateful for the support.
If you didn’t get a chance to come along (or if you just really like cake and good causes), you can still show your support via our JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/rassskydive2025
Every penny counts and takes us one step closer to our fundraising goal — and one leap closer to the plane door…!
#CakeSale #Fundraising #SkyDiveForCharity #ThankYou #JustGiving #TeamEffort
Jul 7
