Guild Care is a not-for-profit charity that was established in Worthing in 1933 by a team of dedicated volunteers.
Our founders Effie Methold, E.A. Haviland (Rector of Heene), Arthur Linfield, Frank Cave and many others joined together to create a kinder, more caring society. They started the ‘Worthing Council of Social Service’, known today as Guild Care.
Working as a team, they persuaded local people to pledge money for those in need. This meant that in the 1930s, well ahead of the introduction of the NHS and Welfare State, Worthing was leading the way with free school milk, free dental treatment for adolescents, grants and loans to those facing financial hardship, a soup kitchen, legal aid and even subsidised free footwear for people on low incomes. We then opened our first care home in 1943 and a few years later our first day centre for older people.
Today
Since then the charity has gone from strength to strength, listening to people and adapting over the decades to the needs of the local community of Worthing and its surrounding areas. In 2018 we joined forces with another local charity, Worthing Scope.
Each year over 3,000 people and their families will be touched by one of our diverse range of more than 30 community services. These will include:
Guild Care is also one of the largest employers in Worthing, with over 650 dedicated and caring staff and the support of more than 300 fantastic volunteers.
"Wonderful organisation. I don't know what I would have done without them when I needed help. Really caring staff in all the groups that were available to us. Since my husband died I still get support and am able to enjoy Guild Care in a different way. Thank You Guild Care for your help and continuing support. Worthing is lucky to have you here." Maureen, service user
Our timeline
An ambitious project to build the first purpose built care home for people with dementia was realised when Haviland House opened in 2015. Read more
The 2000s saw our care services in huge demand, we commenced our dementia care service and opened a number of charity shops. Read more
During the recession we launched new services including the Ashdown Centre for children with disabilities and our home care service. Read more
Expansion of our day centres, and new Caer Gwent care home. Read more
A major appeal launched for a new HQ and Irene House opens. Time for another name change to Worthing Area Guild for Voluntary Service. Read more
We launched our community transport service and opened Ashmount Residential Home, Dolphin Court and Frazer Lodge. Read more
The first Methold house opened by TV personalities in 1958. Read more
Opened our first residential care home and a Darby and Joan Club - one of the country's first day centres for older people. Read more
Guild Care, then known as Worthing Council of Social Service was set up by a group of dedicated volunteers in 1933. Read more