history & pedigree
Our vision for retirement living homes
Abbeyfield Southern Oaks is a registered charity operating on a not-for-profit basis, meaning that rather than having a conventional business owner or shareholders, we use all income for the day-to-day operation and improvement of our retirement living homes. Our aim is simple: to provide the best living options for everyone, whether in our supported or independent living properties.
We share fundamental principles with The Abbeyfield Society – all focused on the support, care, lifestyle and well-being of people in their retirement years. The Abbeyfield Society was founded in 1956 by visionary and benefactor Richard Carr-Gomm, a retired British Army major who spent his gratuity on buying a house for older people to enjoy their retirement in comfort and without loneliness. Today, the movement owns and runs over 700 properties in the UK.
A scheme to bring lonely people together, in an ordinary house, in an ordinary street, getting support and creating an atmosphere of companionship from neighbours and family; returning to the community rather than moving away from it.”
Richard Carr-Gomm
Founder, The Abbeyfield Society
our retirement living homes
All Abbeyfield Southern Oaks properties have their own character, shaped by their residents and also by their professional staff and volunteers, dedicated to ensuring a better quality of life for those residents. All support the values and preferences of their residents and are open equally to people of all ethnic, religious and social backgrounds.
what we stand for
Our mission and values
our mission
To enhance the quality of life for older people.
Supported independent living providing companionship and social interaction to diminish the effects of loneliness and isolation that can be experienced by older people.
our values
Caring
The well-being of our residents is central to everything we do. Every individual is treated with dignity and respect. We also care for our staff and volunteers. Abbeyfield Southern Oaks is a society where people can grow and find fulfilment.
Openness
As an organisation we encourage and support new ideas from our residents, staff and volunteers. Through discussion we learn and appreciate each other’s differences and adopt suggestions to improve the service that Abbeyfield Southern Oaks provides. We are open to change, and take the opportunities that allow us to continue working towards our purpose.
Honesty
We will each lead by example so that our staff, volunteers and our residents can have confidence in the future of Abbeyfield Southern Oaks.
Respect
We respect each other as individuals and we value each others views, beliefs and background. We work hard to develop relationships with our residents, staff and volunteers and the communities in which we operate.
what we stand for
Our mission and values
our mission
To enhance the quality of life for older people.
Supported independent living providing companionship and social interaction to diminish the effects of loneliness and isolation that can be experienced by older people.
our values
Caring
The well-being of our residents is central to everything we do. Every individual is treated with dignity and respect. We also care for our staff and volunteers. Abbeyfield Southern Oaks is a society where people can grow and find fulfilment.
Openness
As an organisation we encourage and support new ideas from our residents, staff and volunteers. Through discussion we learn and appreciate each other’s differences and adopt suggestions to improve the service that Abbeyfield provides. We are open to change, and take the opportunities that allow us to continue working towards our purpose.
Honesty
We will each lead by example so that our staff, volunteers and our residents can have confidence in the future of Abbeyfield Southern Oaks.
Respect
We respect each other as individuals and we value each others views, beliefs and background. We work hard to develop relationships with our residents, staff and volunteers and the communities in which we operate.
