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We have homes in Dorset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
Abbeyfield Wessex Society are a member society of Abbeyfield England, the national membership body that brings together a larger collection of Member Societies operating over 220 homes in England and Wales.
As a society we aim to run all of our homes to a high standard offering tranquil, positive, communal environments for residents to enjoy retirement and later life. We encourage all residents to remain as independent as possible and live life to the full.
Use this site to find out more about us, where our houses are located and how to get in touch.
Abbeyfield Wessex Properties
We have thirteen wonderfully maintained properties in the Wessex area. Find one to suit you below.
Welcoming residents into our community
Abbeyfield Wessex Society are a member society of Abbeyfield England, the national membership body that brings together a larger collection of Member Societies operating over 220 homes in England and Wales.
Although each house is different they all offer the same high standard of safety, security and service.
As a society we aim to run all of our homes to a high standard offering tranquil, positive, communal environments for residents to enjoy retirement and later life. We encourage all residents to remain as independent as possible and live life to the full.
We have heritage at our heart
At Abbeyfield we've been alleviating loneliness for over 60 years.
1955
The first Abbeyfield house opens in Bermondsey.
1963
Abbeyfield Wimborne & District was formed
2004
Abbeyfield Wessex Society was established.
2009
Our largest house, Westbourne House, opens.
2023
We continue to enrich the lives of older people throughout Wessex.
2025
We have Expanded! AWS now have 12 Houses!
Meet the team
The people behind Abbeyfield Wessex Society
Vanessa Booker-Card
CEO
Hatty Cantrill
Director of Operations
Tamsin Wadsworth
Director of Finance and Business Support
Natalie Bain
Marketing Manager
Graham Jenkins
Head of Property and Maintenance
Fiona Courage
Accounts Assistant
Ellie Bale
Administrator
Caroline Slater
Administrator
Careers and Volunteering
Find a rewarding career or volunteering opportunity at Abbeyfield Wessex.
Abbeyfield Wessex is a charity providing independent living accommodation for older people across Dorset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
Whether you’re looking for a career in hospitality, housekeeping, catering, administration or house management, or you’d like to volunteer your time, you’ll be helping older people live independently while reducing loneliness.
Our welcoming teams make a real difference every day, creating safe, supportive communities where residents can enjoy friendship, companionship and the reassurance of knowing someone is always there.
Our current vacancies are listed here:
📢 We're Hiring: Cook at Macpherson House
We are looking for a Cook to join our team at Macpherson House in Weymouth. All CV's to admin@abbeyfieldwessex.org
Read more & apply Download Job Description (PDF)📢 We're Hiring: Zero Hours Cook – Prestbury House, Cheltenham
We are looking for a Zero Hours Cook to join our team at Prestbury House, Cheltenham. All CV's to admin@abbeyfieldwessex.org
Read more & apply📢 We're Hiring: Cleaner (Zero Hours) – Prestbury House
We are looking for a Zero Hours Cleaner to join our team at Prestbury House. All CV's to admin@abbeyfieldwessex.org
Download Job Description (PDF)📢 We're Hiring: General Assistant – Heathercroft House
We are looking for a General Assistant to join our team at Heathercroft House. All CV's to admin@abbeyfieldwessex.org
Download Job Description (PDF)📢 We're Hiring: General Assistant – Clandon House, Dorchester
We are looking for a General Assistant to join our team at Clandon House, Dorchester. All CV's to admin@abbeyfieldwessex.org
Read more & apply
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Charity Number: 230902
The Abbeyfield Social Programme
At Abbeyfield Wessex, we believe staying socially connected is just as important as staying independent. That's why we offer the Abbeyfield Social Programme – a varied calendar of events, activities and outings designed to bring residents together, encourage new friendships and help reduce loneliness, all while enjoying life in our welcoming independent living communities. If you'd like to find out more about our social programme, please contact your local House Manager.
A Taste of Abbeyfield
Enjoy good food and great company at A Taste of Abbeyfield, our welcoming community lunch club. Open to everyone, it's a wonderful opportunity to experience life at Abbeyfield Wessex, meet residents and enjoy a delicious two-course home-cooked lunch for just £7.50.
Available at participating Abbeyfield Wessex houses. Please contact your local House Manager for menus, dates, availability and booking details, as advance booking is essential.
Community Coffee Mornings
Everyone is welcome at our friendly Abbeyfield Wessex Community Coffee Mornings. Join residents, neighbours and friends for fresh coffee, homemade treats and great conversation in a warm, welcoming environment – the perfect opportunity to experience life in one of our independent living communities and make new connections.
They are usually held from 10.30am at participating Abbeyfield Wessex houses. Please contact your local House Manager for days, availability and further details before travelling.