Residents relieved as home future secured

Bell Memorial Home, in South Street, is a charitable trust that has been running since the early 1900s. But recently, the home of 44 residents has struggled to stay afloat.

To protect its services, the residential home became a subsidiary of Worthing-based charity, Guild Care, last Wednesday.

Resident Jean Fox, said: “I’ve been here four years and it’s our home. I have a lovely room with a view of the sea and the hills, and I feel relieved to know that everything will be more or less the same.

Another resident, Iris Bull, said: “We’re relieved and happy, especially as we can keep our existing rooms.”

The charity was founded in 1890 by William Chorley, whose vision was to improve the spiritual and physical wellbeing of poorer people in the area. Now, the home caters for the elderly and is staffed 24 hours a day by a qualified team.

Guild Care chief executive Suzanne Millard said: ‘We have been working with the Lancing charity to ensure that the home can remain open as a charity, protecting residents and saving jobs.

“By becoming a subsidiary of Guild Care, we can ensure it has a future.”

The Rev Andrew Reed, chairman of trustees for the Bell Memorial, said the home was in safe hands.

“I have been associated with the Bell for seven years and over that time I have found the home to be one that is appreciated by those who live and work here and their families,” he said.

“We are delighted that Guild Care has come forward to take care of our facility, our residents and our staff.

“As a fellow long-standing local charity, we know that the Bell will be in safe hands for the future.”

Guild Care will oversee the management of the home and the charity provides a wide range of specialist support.

Jean added: “I understand we might have some more activities, exercises and trips out which I would really enjoy as I don’t have family to take me out.”

For more details about the home, visit www.bellmemorialhome.co.uk