During the late 1970s, in response to expatriate enquiries for assistance in creating Abbeyfield Houses in their new countries, the ‘Abbeyfield Abroad’ working party was established; the precursor to what is now Abbeyfield International.

Abbeyfield International

Abbeyfield International was incorporated in November 1988 as a registered charity to respond to the increasing number of enquiries about Abbeyfield housing from outside of the United Kingdom.

Helping the world in housing and caring for older people.

AI promotes the Abbeyfield concept globally using its network of member national societies and, through them, an extended network of local societies. AI seeks to:

• support existing national societies in developing their own organisation and setting up new local societies.
• establish and nurture new national societies in response to need.
• provide a framework of standards and guidelines for each national society.
• encourage best working practices amongst all national societies.
• act as a forum and catalyst for communication between national societies.
• represent the interests of its members to external international organisations.

The Abbeyfield movement worldwide relies at all levels (local, national and international) on voluntary effort by people of goodwill, who are intent on assisting older people to achieve a fulfilling quality of life.

Currently there are 17 countries affiliated to Abbeyfield International, the Federation of affiliated Abbeyfield Societies:
Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Netherlands, Mexico, New Zealand,  Poland, South Africa, UK/Scotland and the USA.

Abbeyfield Houses worldwide

Contacts for Abbeyfield Societies worldwide

 For further information about Abbeyfield International and contacts for Abbeyfield Societies worldwide, go to www.abbeyfieldinternational.com/