Seafarersupport.org, the central point of contact and a multi-channel referral service for the UK maritime charity sector, has served over 50,000 searches from the Merchant Navy (53,310), Royal Navy (12,994), Royal Marines (5,067) and the Fishing (11,039) communities.
Furthermore, its free helpline has received over 4,000 calls from people seeking help or advice on welfare issues, including not only calls from within the maritime sector but also from non-maritime organisations such as Social Services.
Seafarer Support is managed on behalf of the sector by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), who also part fund it in partnership with Trinity House, Seafarers UK and the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity. It was created as a result of recommendations made by the well-received Supporting seafarers and their families: challenges for the future report published in 2009. The report, commissioned by the Maritime Charities Funding Group (MCFG) now known as the Maritime Charities Group (MCG), strongly suggested improving collaboration and coordination between maritime charities; it also recommended “a shared signposting function to provide information to applicants about sources of support and pass enquiries to appropriate charities and other organisations”, underlining the importance of increasing the awareness and outreach of nautical charities both inside and outside of the UK maritime community.
Captain David Parsons, MNWB Chief Executive and previous Chair of MCFG states
“Life is complex and this is reflected in the number and range of welfare providers and services available to those in need. There are around 150 charities providing a plethora of welfare support services to the UK maritime community. As a result, the MCFG report recognised that a multi-dimensional, collaborative approach with improved, shared information was needed to better help resolve welfare concerns. Seafarer Support enhances welfare support by providing a valuable referral and outreach service to seafarers and their families who are looking for help and guidance. We are continually concerned that too many within the maritime community, particularly those living outside port areas, may be slipping through the charity net. The service strives to close these gaps and is committed to raising the profile and improving access to the entire UK maritime charity sector.”
Seafarer Support started as a website and free telephone helpline but it was soon realised that a more proactive, innovative online approach was required to improve communication and engage with modern information technology. Accordingly a search engine was created offering a simple method for clients to contact and search for help.
The service is being expanded to raise even more awareness of maritime charities, particularly in the non-maritime sector, and continues to move forward with plans to participate in various high profile charity events.
Commander Graham Hockley, Secretary to the Corporation of Trinity House added that:
“Trinity House is delighted to contribute to this programme, bringing vital information to the seafarer in need.”
Notes To Editors
Seafarer Support
Website: www.seafarersupport.org
For further information contact: Peter Tomlin, Deputy Chief Executive, Merchant Navy Welfare Board on 07711016700 or 02380337799 or peter@mnwb.org.uk or Alastair Whitfield, Merchant Navy Welfare Board Projects Administrator, 02380337799 or Alastair@mnwb.org.uk
The Corporation of Trinity House was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1514 to oversee the improvement of pilotage on the River Thames and manage the welfare of distressed seamen and their dependents. Today it is the UK’s largest-endowed maritime charity, wholly funded by its endowments, spending over £4m each year on its charitable activities including the safety, welfare and training of mariners, and the promotion of safety at sea.
It also serves the mariner as the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) for England, Wales and the Channel Islands, with responsibility for nearly 600 aids to navigation, from traditional aids such as lighthouses to the latest satellite navigation technology. As a maritime fraternity with over 400 men and women selected from all aspects of maritime UK it also advises or is involved with a number of other functions and duties that safeguard shipping and the mariner.
Please visit www.trinityhouse.co.uk for more information about Trinity House.
For further information please contact Neil Jones, Trinity House Public Relations and Records Manager
Tel: 01255 245155 / Email Neil.Jones@trinityhouse.co.uk / www.trinityhouse.co.uk