Bethesda / Overview

Announcements

21 Sep 2023
Update to 'Applying for Admission to the Homes' page
The 'Applying for Admission to the Homes' page has been updated. Please see here for details. 
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19 Feb 2025
Information for GSBF supporters about the state of Bethesda (November 2024)
In November 2024, the GSBF trustees circulated two documents to supporters of the Charity. The first document was a letter setting out in detail the challenges facing Bethesda, at the current time, and their impact upon the Charity. The letter also made reference to challenges faced by previous trustees over the past 50 years. A copy of the letter can be found by clicking here.

The second document is a copy of the Chairman's address given at the GSBF Annual Meeting Saturday, 5 October 2024. The address provided a reflection on the issues faced by the trustees and those managing the Bethesda homes. The document also includes an analysis of the Charity's financial situation over the past 10 years and a more detailed analysis of the operation of the Bethesda Homes over the past five years. A copy of the address can be found by clicking here.
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Welcome to the Gospel Standard Bethesda Fund

We provide personal care and accommodation to people aged 65+ who are members of Gospel Standard Strict and Particular Baptist Churches, or who regularly attend Gospel Standard Strict Baptist chapels.

We can provide a service to people with a wide range of personal care needs, including those living with dementia and those with nursing needs who can be treated in our Homes by community/district nurses. Our 'Statement of Purpose' can be seen here. The types of service we offer are; permanent residency, short stays for holidays or respite, and day care. In every case a detailed care plan is prepared with the resident to ensure that a personalised service suitable to their needs is provided. This is then regularly reviewed to ensure that changing requirements are met.  


An important aspect of the life of our Homes is the need to provide a spiritual as well as homelike atmosphere for like-minded people. In line with this ethos there are morning and evening Bible readings and prayer taken by male members of local Gospel Standard Chapels, or when able, male residents.  



Transport to services at local Gospel Standard Strict Baptist Chapels is provided, or for those unable to attend due to infirmity services can be listened to via the relay into the Home. Prayer meetings and hymn singing evenings are held on a regular basis in each of the Homes.   

The two Bethesda Homes are rooted in the communities from which the people using our services come from. This means that people coming into our Homes will often be living among lifelong friends and, in many cases, relatives as well. The management and staff of the Homes (many of whom are also from the same background) are supported by volunteers drawn from local Gospel Standard Strict Baptist chapels. This means that those living in the Homes can stay in contact with the people they knew before moving in.

Registered Office:
Gospel Standard Bethesda Fund
Registered Charity 1199341
Company number 13651153
12(b) Roundwood Lane
Harpenden
Herts.
AL5 3BZ