The Abbeyfield Society
The Abbeyfield Society is the realisation of the vision of a former Coldstream Guard, Richard Carr-Gomm. Concerned by the number of lonely older people he saw in Bermondsey, south-east London, he resigned his commission and moved from Chelsea Barracks to become Britain’s first male home help.
The History of Abbeyfield Societies
During his visits, Richard found that loneliness was one of the biggest challenges affecting the lives of older people, as it is to this day. This spurred him to invest his army gratuity in a house in Bermondsey where he invited four lonely, older people to join him. By Christmas 1956, Richard had become the very first Abbeyfield housekeeper.
Like-minded people, including the future Mrs Carr-Gomm, soon joined him. They met regularly at the second house in Abbeyfield Road which lent its name to the Society. Within two years, Abbeyfield had opened six houses in Bermondsey, occupied by 26 older people.
Abbeyfield Societies Today
By 1960, new Abbeyfield societies were established in eight London boroughs and 15 localities in Greater London. The parent society was incorporated as The Abbeyfield Society and continues to this day as the inspiration of the entire movement. Currently there are Abbeyfield societies across the UK and 16 in countries around the world, dedicated to helping thousands of older people.
To learn more about The Abbeyfield Society, please click here to visit their website.
Staff are unfailingly friendly and approachable and respond to any questions/comments straight away.
