Supporting the wellbeing and welfare of active and retired seafarers.
Every year we award more than £2m in grants to support many maritime and welfare charities. We are working alongside our delivery partners and supporters to deliver our innovative emergency programme designed to provide immediate support to those seafarers and their families hit by the cost of living crisis. See how you can help us fund organisations that deliver immediate support.
In 2023, your donations helped us to:
- Award 67 grants
- Support 50 organisations
- Award £2.4m in total funding
The impact of your support
Case Studies
How Support from The Sailors’ Children’s Society Helped a Skipper’s Family Rebuild
After losing her husband, Andreas*, a skipper who tragically died following a devastating accident at sea, Sara* faced immense financial and emotional hardship while raising their three children. The Sailors’ Children’s Society provided vital support, including financial assistance, school uniforms, and respite breaks, helping the family find stability and begin to rebuild their lives.
More detailsClyde Coastal Training Scheme: Empowering the next generation of seafarers in the West of Scotland
Through funding from The Seafarers’ Charity, the Clyde Coastal Training Scheme has provided life-changing opportunities for individuals like Harry. With no previous fishing background, Harry gained essential certifications in Sea Survival, Fire Fighting, First Aid, and Health and Safety, enabling him to secure a paid placement and eventually advance to first mate. The Seafarers’ Charity’s support has helped grow the program, offering training, hands-on experience, and support to local people, particularly those who might not have considered a career at sea. As a result, more individuals are entering the fishing industry, with the next course already oversubscribed.
More detailsIslay and Jura: supporting seafarers in the UK's island communities
Through IJCE initiatives like Aquacare, retired seafarers such as Douglas stay active and socially connected, while the Autumn Years lunch club provides a welcoming space to build trust and access financial and welfare services. IJCE also facilitates Market Days, bringing essential benefits, debt, and housing support to the islands. Beyond welfare, IJCE equips the next generation, offering free VHF Radio training and survival at sea courses, enabling aspiring seafarers like Matthew to launch their careers.
More detailsThe MT Heroic Idun
On Stephania’s fourth birthday, her father, Xavier, and his crewmates had already been detained in Nigeria for three months, accused of oil theft and faking a piracy attack. Read how Sailors' Society's Crisis Response Team, partly funded by The Seafarers’ Charity, were able to establish and maintain contact with the crew over their 10-month ordeal, until the dispute was settled, and they were able to return home.
More detailsYou may also like
Make a donation
Help support seafarers in need and their families, by making a single gift, or setting up a monthly donation.
Make a donationFundraise
Whether it is a run, a bake or a virtual challenge, your support will make an incredible difference to seafarers.
Get involved