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

Islay 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.

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The 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.

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Empowering lives: a story of strength and compassion

Michael*, a Royal Fleet Auxiliary veteran, was medically discharged in 2011. Since then, his family, including his wife and their three daughters, has faced a series of challenges, including poor mental health, the COVID-19 pandemic, bereavement, as well as concerns about home safety and debt. Despite receiving some benefits, their fixed income fell short of meeting their household’s diverse needs.

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Reclaiming hope after homelessness

Douglas* is a retired Merchant Navy mariner who faced homelessness due to relationship issues and financial struggles. Supported by the Scottish Nautical Welfare Society (SNWS), Douglas received aid for housing, furnishings, and essential items, enabling him to regain independence.

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