Major Richard Carr-Gomm

Major Richard Carr-Gomm has devoted his life and energy to providing help and accommodation to those who are lonely and often friendless. He is the founder of the Abbeyfield Society, the Carr-Gomm Society and the Morpeth Society. He set these up with his own money, building small houses where lonely people could be cared for. Richard's idea and approach have been replicated around the world and have significantly changed the way people are cared for.

Richard was inspired to help others, leaving the army in 1955 to become the first ever male home helper in Bermondsey. He discovered that he was often the only person visiting these elderly people who were always eager to sit and talk with him. Richard concluded that what was needed was simple companionship and, wanting to give a more personal service to them, he bought a small house with his £250 army gratuity to set up a service. There was such a positive response that Richard went on to buy more small houses and in 1956 the first Abbeyfield Society was registered as a charity.

The Abbeyfield way of life encourages older people to retain an independent lifestyle within a companionable environment. There are now 730 houses in the UK, including more than 80 registered residential care homes, providing accommodation for more than 8,500 residents. Abbeyfield Societies now operate in 15 other countries around the world.

Recognising that it wasn't just the elderly who were lonely, Richard set up the Carr-Gomm Society to help those of all ages suffering from loneliness, mental, physical and emotional difficulties. The Society is now an award winning charity, offering housing and support services to approximately 3,000 people a year across the UK.

Following the success of the Carr-Gomm Society, Richard started the Morpeth Society in 1972, helping people with adequate incomes who were in need of daily living support. Presently there are over 1,000 houses in Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

At the age of 83, Richard is still involved with these societies as well as other charitable ventures.

"Richard has inspired and assisted so many people in setting up new schemes to support people and also visited and listened to so many people using those services, that he is an admirable example to the entire voluntary sector as to how to quietly exercise massive positive change, while being aware of small, day-to-day things so important to our well-being, such as friendliness, listening, sharing meals and simple tasks."

Gary Lashko, Chief Executive, Carr-Gomm Society

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