Supporting Young Seafarers at the UKSA

'Coming to UKSA seemed impossible at first. I came from nothing, and not only did I have no money for the course, but I couldn’t afford the required kit either', he says.

Based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, UKSA helps aspiring seafarers gain the skills, experience, and qualifications to enter the maritime industry. And training for a career at sea isn’t solely about technical ability; the staff recognise the importance of building resilience, confidence, and taking care of students’ well-being. Many of UKSA’s cadets come from disadvantaged backgrounds or face challenges such as financial hardship, mental health struggles, or learning barriers.

Breaking Down Barriers to Success

The charity’s safeguarding and welfare manager Kim Fry supports cadets, staff and parents with professional guidance and advice. As a qualified social worker and mental health first aid instructor, she has extensive experience working with children, young people, families and adults.

Since Kim joined six years ago, the UKSA Welfare Team has become a vital resource, ensuring students receive support with mental health, safeguarding, and well-being while they train. 'Mental health awareness and wellbeing training for seafarers is put in place very early on, usually within the first week,' Kim explains. 'It enables us to get to know individuals and gives them the opportunity to see we're safe people to make a connection with.'

In the last year alone, the team delivered over 1,100 one-to-one welfare sessions - an astonishing 496% rise since 2021.

'I struggled with mental health issues after losing someone close to me,' says Dan. 'But thanks to the support from UKSA, everything changed. I had the chance to take part in mental health training and wellness sessions, which have made a huge difference in how I manage my mental health every day. I’m incredibly grateful to the Welfare team for believing in me and providing the support I needed to succeed, not just with my studies but in life'.

Funding has also enabled UKSA to provide dyslexia assessments for this year’s cohort. 'Some members of my family are dyslexic,' notes Kim. 'I understand that it is not just about words being difficult to read. It's so much more. It can be a real strain on people's confidence and the reason that cadets don't think that they can continue with the course.'

The impact has been transformative for those who have undergone assessments, helping them better understand their learning needs and unlocking new ways to succeed in their training.

UKSA goes beyond individual support, intent on creating a culture of well-being across all their programmes. Last year alone, 526 students took part in mental health and well-being training, while 61 dedicated workshops equipped young seafarers with the skills to handle stress and build resilience at sea. They also provided welfare packs filled with essentials like toiletries and clothing to 165 students who needed them, ensuring they had the support they needed both on and off the water.

'We’ve funded all sorts of things - deck shoes, chinos that they need for interview; if people run out of toiletries, it's not a problem. I don't care how old you are, I will give you a ‘mum pack’ of essentials to make sure that you're well enough to get through that sea phase of training. We show people that we are looking out for them.'

At The Seafarers’ Charity, we believe that every young person with the ambition to build a career at sea deserves the opportunity to do so - regardless of their background or personal circumstances. That’s why we are proud to have funded the Safeguarding & Welfare Manager and a Welfare Officer as one of our strategic improved health and wellbeing outcomes. 'We wouldn't be able to do what we do without The Seafarers’ Charity,' says Kim. 'It allows us to look after our students in the best possible way, and they go onto to do a brilliant job in the industry. They’re nailing it!'

*Names have been changed.