Pilgrims' Friend Society has been helping older people to flourish for more than 200 years. We're proud of our rich history, rooted in God's heart for people and the poor.
Originally called the Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society, this organisation was established in 1807 by a group of Christians concerned about 'the aged and infirm Christian poor'.
The movement began by providing charitable pensions for older believers and by offering support and care through volunteer visits. This then developed into creating housing schemes and residential care homes for older Christians so they could live in a safe, secure environment throughout their later years, and remain fulfilled in their faith.
This commitment to providing Christian communities where older people can live fulfilling later lives remains at the heart of the Pilgrims' Friend Society's work today.
Our experience in care and service to Christians in their later years has also become a springboard for inspiring and equipping churches and other people who work in the community with older people.
Christian politician, philanthropist, and anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce (1759-1833) was the Vice-President of the Society in the days before electricity, mains drainage, and the welfare state. As agriculture gave way to the industrial revolution, Wilberforce's drive to put his Christian values into practice lit a beacon that continues to guide our dedication to the care of older people today.
Devout social reformer Lord Shaftesbury (1801-1885) was also a committed friend of the Society, spreading the word about the work wherever he went.
Today, all the supporters and friends of the Pilgrims' Friend Society are like modern-day ‘Shaftsbury equivalents,’ as they champion us in different ways to continue serving older people the way we do.
We honour our inspiring history with thankful hearts by committing to the guiding principles of our predecessors. We are inspired by the way they put their faith into action, and believing this is the calling of all Christians, we continue to follow their example and build on the charitable foundations they established.
