Welcome to Abbeyfield Living Society

Find out more about our mission and values, learn more about who we are, what we stand for, and what makes our community special.

We believe in the power of home

Established in 1956, we provide housing, residential care and support to older people across England.

Our range of different housing options help bring people together and foster a sense of security, warmth and belonging, allowing our residents to thrive in the company of others while retaining their independence.

This foundation of companionship was one of the motivations for setting up Abbeyfield nearly 70 years ago and remains at the core of what we stand for today.

Find out more about our heritage.

Our vision, mission and values

Our vision:

A world where everyone thrives in later life within a caring compassionate community.

Our mission:

To provide great homes and inclusive communities where you can enjoy outstanding levels of service and support in later life provided by committed people.

Our values:

Our core values guide our actions, decision making and interactions and help shape our culture and behaviours.

  • Care - we care for the people we support, for each other and for our communities.
  • Compassion - we treat everyone with kindness, empathy and respect, honouring their dignity, independence and individuality.
  • Community - we foster a sense of belonging, inclusion and mutual support, creating environments where older people feel safe, connected and empowered.
  • Integrity - we are honest, transparent and accountable in all our actions, doing what’s right, even when it’s not the easy option.
  • Excellence - we are committed to being a high performing organisation, delivering exceptional services that add value, exceed expectations and make a real difference.

The importance of community

Community is at the heart of Abbeyfield and all of our homes are closely linked to their local neighbourhoods. Many Abbeyfield properties hold regular events that are open to visitors and arrange day trips to ensure residents can access all that their local area has to offer. We also welcome groups and volunteers from the local community to provide activities and the opportunity for residents develop their skills and interests or keep fit and active.

Our people

It’s the people who truly make Abbeyfield special - our staff, our volunteers, the Board, our ambassadors - all put residents at the heart of everything they do.

Volunteering is a crucial part of our heritage and Abbeyfield relies on hundreds of volunteers who generously give their time to support the work we do, whether that’s in our houses and homes, or through our Board of Trustees who guide the overall direction of our organisation.

Find out more about volunteering with Abbeyfield

Member of the wider Abbeyfield movement

We’re proud to be a member of Abbeyfield England, the national body representing nearly 90 local independent member societies across England. We're also part of a wider international network of Abbeyfield houses and homes,  committed to providing high-quality housing and support services for older people. To learn more, please visit the Abbeyfield England website.

Jonathan Sweet

Who we are

Abbeyfield's reputation for delivering outstanding care services and facilities owes its success to the exceptional people behind our mission. From dedicated management teams to passionate staff and volunteers, their combined efforts form the backbone of our organisation's excellence.

Woman Holding A Plant Pot In The Garden With Older Man

The Abbeyfield Difference

At the heart of our charity are welcoming homes that create strong community links. We dedicate time to our residents, enriching their lives by creating friendly and supportive communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Peaceful and well-maintained garden at Westall House Residential Care Home in Horsted Keynes, providing a serene outdoor space for residents.

Our services

From Sheltered Housing to Residential Care Homes, Dementia Friendly Care to Independent Living, explore which of Abbeyfield's housing options right for you.

Smiling Older Woman

Our financial and annual reports

We're committed to transparency, clarity, financial responsibility and are open to feedback at any time.

Google home hub

FAQs

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about retirement living and housing options for older people at Abbeyfield Living Society.

Two Older Ladies Walking In The Sunshine In A Beautiful Garden

Abbeyfield sponsors APPG inquiry

Abbeyfield is proud to be sponsoring a new inquiry into the regeneration of outdated sheltered housing, launched on 20th June 2023 by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Housing and Care for Older People.