Support for Seafarers

Practical and Emotional Support

As the Society was founded and is still run by former seafarers, we recognise that a life at sea can be a challenging and often lonely one.

When seafarers come ashore or retire due to old age, sickness or disability, it can often be difficult to know where to turn for like-minded companionship and the practical and emotional support of people who understand their needs.

The Royal Alfred was established as a charity in 1865 to help "worn out and infirm seamen", and has since been incorporated under Royal Charter. Under the Royal Charter, ‘seafarers’ include Merchant Navy, Royal Navy, fishermen and port workers, as well as their widows or dependants. It is well to remember that we remain an island people still heavily dependent upon the sea for trade and that the Nation owes a great deal to all its seafarers sailing either under red, white or blue ensigns.

Research suggests that 50 per cent of the seafaring community have needs that charities such as the Royal Alfred can meet or alleviate. This is why it’s so important to us that we continue to let seafarers know about our services, including long-term care for those who need that extra support.

Not only can seafarers access residential and nursing care at the Royal Alfred, we also offer dementia nursing care and respite care. Following completion of our new annexe in July 2011, we are now offer more specialised dementia nursing care, provided by trained staff.

So much more

The Royal Alfred is so much more than simply a care home for seafarers. Most residents become part of a close-knit ‘family’ of people just like them, with amazing stories to tell, and alongside whom they can enjoy what should be the most stress-free and peaceful time of their lives.