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?
🐾 A Visit from Kingswood Ponies! 🐍🐇
We recently welcomed Kingswood Ponies and their wonderful collection of small animals and reptiles to Belvedere House, and what a treat it was!
The visit was enjoyed by so many of our residents, with plenty of smiles, gentle cuddles, and even a few brave moments holding lizards!
What made the day even more special was that the animals also visited residents who were resting in bed, ensuring everyone could enjoy some animal magic.
A huge thank you to the team at Kingswood Ponies for bringing such joy and calm to the home. We are already looking forward to your next visit!
#BelvedereHouse #KingswoodPonies #AnimalTherapy #ResidentWellbeing #CareHomeLife #MakingMemories #OlderVeterans #CommunitySpirit #JoyfulMoments #TheRoyalAlfredSeafarersSociety
Nov 13
🧶 Friday Knit & Natter Group 🧶
Every Friday at 1400 hrs, our Knit & Natter group meets in the bar for an afternoon of creativity, conversation, and plenty of laughter. Recently, the group has been knitting beautiful dolls and showing off some impressive crochet work too.
Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just fancy popping in for a chat, everyone’s welcome!
#KnitAndNatter #FridayFun #Knitting #Crochet #CommunitySpirit #CreativeCorner #DollsAndCrafts #SocialAfternoon #FriendlyFriday
Nov 12
Armistice Day 11th November
At 11am today, we joined together at The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society to observe a two-minute silence in remembrance of all those who gave their lives in service to our country.
We remember with deep gratitude the brave men and women, past and present, who have served to protect our freedom. Among our residents are veterans who know the true meaning of sacrifice, and today we honour their courage and the memories of their fallen comrades.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.” 🌹
#ArmisticeDay #LestWeForget #Remembrance #RoyalAlfredSeafarersSociety #Veterans #ServiceAndSacrifice
Nov 11
📅 Here’s what’s coming up this November!
There’s never a dull moment at Belvedere House — take a look at our upcoming entertainment and pop a few dates in your diary!
#entertainment #carehome #dementiacare
Nov 10
Remembrance Sunday
This morning, The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society will come together in remembrance of all those who gave their lives in service to our country.
Our Estates Manager, Nick, and Home Manager, Alice, will be laying a wreath at the Banstead War Memorial on behalf of the Society, honouring the courage and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, both past and present.
Back at Belvedere House, residents, staff, and visitors will join together in quiet reflection to remember those who served and those who never returned.
We will always remember them.
“We will remember them.”
#RemembranceSunday #LestWeForget #RoyalAlfredSeafarersSociety #Veterans #Remembrance #Banstead
Nov 9
Autumn mornings don’t get much better than this!
A stunning sunrise over The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society recently with the grounds bathed in golden light and the crisp autumn air reminding us how beautiful this time of year can be.
There is something special about starting the day with a view like this, peaceful, calm and full of promise.
Thank you to Damian for capturing these beautiful photos.
#AutumnSunrise #TheRoyalAlfred #Seafarers #Woodmansterne #MorningViews #CareCommunity #SunriseMagic
Nov 8
We’d love to hear from you!
If you’re a resident, relative or visitor at The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, we’d really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to leave us a review on carehome.co.uk
Your feedback means the world to us. It helps others learn about life here at the Society and gives our amazing team a boost to know their hard work is appreciated.
You can share your thoughts here 👉 https://www.carehome.co.uk/review-submit/39868
Thank you for being part of our community. Your support really does make a difference!
#VeteransCare #ElderlyCare #RoyalAlfredSeafarers #CareWithCompassion #CommunitySpirit #ThankYou
Nov 7
Days Out and About with Our Residents
At Belvedere House, we believe that life should be full of experiences, laughter, and new memories, no matter your age. Our Health and Wellbeing team work hard to make sure our residents enjoy a wonderful variety of days out throughout the year.
From visits to the seaside and local garden centres to pub lunches, river trips, and countryside drives, there’s always something to look forward to. These outings give our residents the chance to enjoy fresh air, reconnect with favourite places, and share special moments with friends and staff alike.
We’re so proud of the smiles, stories, and sense of adventure that come from these days out and they’re a true reflection of our person-centred approach and the community spirit here at The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society.
#BelvedereHouse #TheRoyalAlfredSeafarersSociety #ResidentLife #DaysOut #Wellbeing #CareHomeLife #OlderAdults #DementiaCare
Nov 6
