The Covid-19 situation is ever changing here in the UK and it is very important that everyone is aware of the latest advice from the UK Government and the health information from the NHS.
In these uncertain times, there are organisations that can offer advice and practical or financial assistance to fishermen.
Seafish have listed several organisations who can offer support to fishermen, some of which we have listed below:
Fishermen’s Mission
The Fishermen’s Mission provides financial, practical and pastoral support to retired or active fishermen and their families. They assess support required and fill in a grant form which is sent to various charities for funding. Support can be requested for a variety of factors such as hospital transport costs or a new cooker or emotional support. Financial support is provided when payments can no longer be made and they are in arrears – proof and documentation is required. To find out more visit their website – www.fishermensmission.org.uk, call 01489 566 910 or email
enquiries@fishermensmission.org.uk
Seafarer’s Advice and Information Line (SAIL)
SAIL is part of Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) but it offers specialised for seafarers. It provides independent financial advice on benefit entitlement, HMRC issues, bankruptcy, debt, charity grants, employment, housing and pensions, as well as advice on consumer issues and immigration. They also offer practical support to assist with filling in forms and negotiating with other agencies. To find out more visit their website – www.sailine.org.uk, call 0800 160 1842 (lines are open week days 10am-4pm) or email advice@sailline.org.uk
Shipwrecked Mariners Society
Shipwrecked Mariners Society provides financial and practical assistance to merchant seafarers, fishermen and their dependents. They can support in instances that include debt, illness, disability, unemployment or retirement. To find out more visit their website – www.shipwreckedmariners.org.uk, call 01243 789 329 or email general@shipwreckedmariners.org.uk
Seafarers Hospital Society
Seafarers Hospital Society offer health, welfare and advice to merchant seafarers and fishermen families. To find out more visit their website – www.seahospital.org.uk, call 0800 160 1842 or email admin@seahospital.org.uk
Big White Wall
This is a confidential 24/7 online mental health and wellbeing advice and support service provided by the Seafarers Hospital Society. Visit their website – www.bigwhitewall.com or email theteam@bigwhitewall.com
Seafarer Support
Seafarer Support guides serving and former UK seafarers and their families towards relevant help in times of need. Their online tool allows users to input basic details then searches their database of over 150 maritime charities to identify those which may be able to provide help. To find out more visit their website – www.seafarersupport.org or call the freephone helpline on 0800 121 4765.
