Seafarers UK has been helping people in the maritime community for over 100 years, by providing vital support to seafarers in need and their families, and to those in education or training who are preparing to work or serve at sea. We do this by giving grants to organisations and projects that make a real difference to people’s lives, across the Merchant Navy, Fishing Fleets, Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Last year we gave grants totalling £3.5 million to 60 maritime welfare charities.
As an ‘island nation’ we depend on our seafarers to defend our shores, trade with other countries and import essential fuel and food. The job of a seafarer is therefore vital, but also demanding and hazardous with a much greater chance of injury than many other professions. A large number of those serving will be facing problems of very different kinds; long periods of separation from friends and family; extended periods of duty, fatigue, and working heavy machinery whilst being exposed to harsh weather.
Such dangers and difficulties can lead to disability, depression, debt, relationship breakdown, homelessness or even death. Our funding enables seafarers to access advice and information, adapt to life on shore, re-train and find new employment. It also improves their quality of life by helping to provide the essentials of daily living that a small pension (or none) cannot cover. Often it may be the family of a seafarer who has been injured, held hostage or who has subsequently passed away that require assistance.
Because Seafarers UK works closely with all of the organisations that support seafarers and their dependants, we can target donations where they will make the biggest difference. Seafarers UK receives no government funding and relies on donations and fundraising to be able to carry on providing long-term aid. Without this, there simply wouldn’t be the level of support we are able to provide today and that last year gave hope and help to over 185,000 seafarers, their families, and those preparing to work or serve at sea when they needed it most.
Registered Charity No. 226446 & 038191
