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?
🐾 New Recruits in the Admin Office! 🐾
While Lindsay’s colleague was off enjoying some well-earned annual leave, she had a little help from some unexpected team members — the guinea pigs! 🐹✨
They might not be the best at filing or answering phones, but they’re excellent at boosting morale and keeping spirits high. We’re not sure if their squeaks were productivity tips or snack requests, but either way, they kept the office lively!
Thanks to our furry friends for stepping in — we think they deserve an extra carrot or two for their hard work. 🥕💻
May 20
We’re turning 160!
Join us at the Royal Alfred Seafarers` Society as we celebrate 160 years of proud service on Wednesday 28th May 2025.
Starting at 11am, we’ll take a walk through history with a talk on the legacy of RASS.
Then enjoy a build-your-own burger bar lunch (limited bookings for family & friends via the Admin Office).
The day ends on a high note with a music concert to mark this special occasion!
We look forward to celebrating with our residents, families, and community.
#RASS160 #RoyalAlfredSeafarers #CareWithHistory #160YearsStrong #seafarers #veterans #merchantnavy #royalnavy
May 18
Exciting Day for The Royal Alfred!
Today we’re at the iconic Trinity House for our Annual General Meeting — a very special occasion where we’ll be launching our refreshed logo, our latest Impact Report, and our brand-new website!
A lot has been happening behind the scenes at the Royal Alfred over the past year, and today marks an important milestone in sharing that work with all of you.
Our new look celebrates our proud heritage while looking firmly to the future — honouring the past, embracing the present, and building for generations to come.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support our mission to care for seafarers and their dependants. We can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on!
#RoyalAlfred #AGM #NewBeginnings #ImpactReport #WebsiteLaunch #ProudHeritageBrightFuture
May 16
A very special day aboard HMS Wellington 🇬🇧⚓️
We were delighted to see Doris enjoying a memorable visit to HMS Wellington on 8th May, marking VE Day 80 with a heartfelt tribute to the men and women of the Merchant Navy and Armed Forces.
The event was beautifully organised by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) and offered a wonderful opportunity to reflect, remember, and honour the sacrifices made for our freedom.
Doris’s smile says it all — from the warm welcome on board to the chance to share stories and memories, this was a truly meaningful experience.
Thank you to the MNWB for making this commemorative day so special.
#VEDay80 #HMSWellington #MNWB #Veterans #MerchantNavy #Remembrance #Gratitude #Community #RoyalAlfredSeafarers
May 15
A Special Visit from Anne – Sharing Stories Across Generations
We were delighted to see Anne, one of our remarkable sheltered housing residents, out and about recently as she visited a local primary school to meet with a group of enthusiastic pupils.
At 100 years old, Anne has lived a rich and fascinating life, and the children were absolutely captivated as she shared her story — particularly her time serving in the Women`s Royal Naval Service (WRNS). From her wartime experiences to her reflections on how life has changed over the decades, Anne had the room hanging on her every word.
The children are now writing Anne’s autobiography as part of a special school project, and once it’s finished, they’ll be sending her a copy to read. She’s very much looking forward to seeing how they’ve told her story — and we’re looking forward to hearing what she thinks!
It was a lovely example of connection across generations, and a reminder of how much wisdom and history our residents have to share.
#IntergenerationalLearning #100YearsYoung #WRNS #LivingHistory #CareCommunity #ResidentStories #LifelongMemories #HistoryAlive #SchoolProject #ShelteredHousing #RoyalAlfred #CommunityConnections
May 14
📣 FREE Dementia Training for Unpaid Carers in Banstead & Tandridge
Are you caring for someone with dementia? Surrey County Council is offering free training sessions designed to support unpaid carers. Covering everything from an introduction to dementia to advanced care techniques, these sessions are a fantastic way to gain confidence, skills, and support.
Please share with anyone who might benefit 💙
May 13
At The Royal Alfred Seafarers` Society, we love making our residents’ birthdays extra special. This stunning cake was lovingly made by our talented Chef Janice to celebrate a very special birthday!
Every detail was carefully crafted to bring joy to the occasion, and we’re so grateful to our Catering Team for going above and beyond to make these moments memorable.
Wishing our resident a wonderful birthday filled with happiness, laughter, and, of course, a slice of delicious cake!
#BirthdayCelebration #MadeWithLove #Teamwork #MakingMemories
May 13
📣 Facebook Post:
We`re Hiring! 🧡 Health & Wellbeing Specialist | Full Time | Belvedere House (near Banstead, Surrey)
Are you caring, compassionate, and passionate about supporting older people? We’re looking for a Health and Wellbeing Specialist to join our team at Belvedere House, our nursing home in the peaceful village of Woodmansterne.
📍 35 hours per week (including alternate weekends)
💷 £13.85–£14.79 per hour (depending on qualifications)
💡 Full training provided
You`ll help support our residents’ physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing—and make a real difference every day.
✨ What we offer:
✔️ A friendly, supportive environment
✔️ Ongoing training and development
✔️ The chance to be part of something truly meaningful
No NVQ? No problem—we’ll support the right person to train and grow.
📩 Interested? Send us a message or apply today to join a team that truly cares.
#NowHiring #CareJobs #HealthAndWellbeing #BelvedereHouse #MakeADifference
May 12
