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  • history
  1. About us
  2. Our history

Our history

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:

  • Home care service
  • Community transport service 
  • Respite and short breaks for carers of people living with dementia, or who are frail or elderly
  • Support services for families of children and adults with disabilities and additional needs
  • Day services for older people
  • Three care homes providing dementia, nursing, residential and respite care
  • Supported housing schemes and assisted living accommodation

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

Today

Today

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

Published: 20th June, 2018

Updated: 11th February, 2020

Author: Samantha Philpott

Related topics:
  • Our history
2000s

2000s

The 2000s saw our care services in huge demand, we commenced our dementia care service and opened a number of charity shops. Read more

Published: 20th June, 2018

Updated: 21st February, 2019

Author: Samantha Philpott

Related topics:
  • Our history
1990s

1990s

During the recession we launched new services including the Ashdown Centre for children with disabilities and our home care service. Read more

Published: 20th June, 2018

Updated: 24th February, 2020

Author: Samantha Philpott

Related topics:
  • Our history
1980s

1980s

Expansion of our day centres, and new Caer Gwent care home. Read more

Published: 20th June, 2018

Updated: 21st February, 2019

Author: Samantha Philpott

Related topics:
  • Our history
1970s

1970s

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

Published: 20th June, 2018

Updated: 21st February, 2019

Author: Samantha Philpott

Related topics:
  • Our history
1960s

1960s

We launched our community transport service and opened Ashmount Residential Home, Dolphin Court and Frazer Lodge. Read more

Published: 20th June, 2018

Updated: 21st February, 2019

Author: Samantha Philpott

Related topics:
  • Our history
1950s

1950s

The first Methold house opened by TV personalities in 1958. Read more

Published: 20th June, 2018

Updated: 21st February, 2019

Author: Samantha Philpott

Related topics:
  • Our history
1940s

1940s

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

Published: 20th June, 2018

Updated: 21st February, 2019

Author: Samantha Philpott

Related topics:
  • Our history
1930s

1930s

Guild Care, then known as Worthing Council of Social Service was set up by a group of dedicated volunteers in 1933. Read more

Published: 20th June, 2018

Updated: 21st February, 2019

Author: Samantha Philpott

Related topics:
  • Our history
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Guild Care registered charity number 1044658.
A company limited by guarantee registered in England under number 3021390.
Registered office: Methold House, North Street, Worthing, BN11 1DU
Copyright 2020.  All rights reserved