The Seafarers’ Charity

The festive season is a time of hope and togetherness, but for many seafaring families, there will be an empty seat at the table, making it a time of heightened loneliness. Which is why we need your help. Family and community are essential to seafarers' wellbeing, and with your help, we can ease seasonal stress. Your donation helps deliver the gift of hope to seafarers and their families during the festive season and beyond, providing essential support for groceries, fuel bills, and treasured gifts for children to open on Christmas Day. Together, we can make this season a time of hope and new beginnings for those who need it most. Donate now 👇 https://bit.ly/3USMSPt

Did you know many #MerchantNavy seafarers spend over 9 months at sea each year, away from their families? 🌊 These often invisible keyworkers keep us fed and our economy running. This #PayrollGivingMonth, its easiest when you give as you earn! 👇 https://lnkd.in/e6nhfeW3

Last week, our Head of Grants, Louise Parkin, visited Whitstable on the Kentish coast to celebrate National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) volunteers. NCI watchkeepers provide eyes and ears along the coast, monitoring radio channels and keeping watch in poor visibility. When people find themselves in trouble, NCI alerts the Coastguard and directs emergency and rescue services. Thanks to a grant from The Seafarers’ Charity, NCI has been able to upgrade its seafront station to a better location with improved equipment. Part of our funding will also support the volunteer training programme. Learn more 👇  https://lnkd.in/ejnpPDvh

On this day in 1928, the Merchant Navy came into being. It happened when King George V renamed the Mercantile Marine to recognise centuries of service by the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets in peace and war. At The Seafarers' Charity, we have a long-standing connection to King George V. His support saw us become the King George’s Fund for Sailors on 5 July 1917. Today, as The Seafarers' Charity we remain committed to supporting those who serve at sea and their families.

Did you know??? I graduated from my first degree over 20 years ago… Did you know?? (Two in one post! I am really in the gifting mood) My Masters in Maritime Law was made possible thanks to a bursary available at the Swansea University. Last week, I had the honour of attending the UKSA Superyacht Cadetship graduation ceremony to recognise The Seafarers’ Charity Top Cadet - Aroha Oakley. Aroha is ambitious; she effortlessly transitioned from the further education programme onto the Cadetship. She radiates positivity and is kind-hearted. A deserving recipient of the award 🏆 This year, 7 out of the 41 cadets who graduated were able to start their seafaring careers thanks to the bursary we fund at UKSA and have done for over 14 years. How I wish I could bottle the energy in the room; the hopes and dreams clearly visible on cadet’s faces. Heartfelt “thank yous” from proud parents as well as their sincere gratitude for the funding assistance reminded me of my why. This is why we fundraise The Seafarers’ Charity: ➡️This is the pot - one of many - where the regular donations to us via #payrollgiving goes into. ➡️This is one of the many grants #TeamSeafarersKGFS contribute towards and indeed the funds raised from the upcoming #24PeaksChallenge makes possible. ➡️Together, we can secure these young cadets and many other seafarers’ futures when you give a lasting donation to us in your will. As I wished them “fair winds” on this next passage of life, the clarity of the vision of The Seafarers’ Charity became clear. 20 years from now, I hope the glistening in their eyes remains and the joy in their hearts and the love for the sea is still felt (yes, beneath the alpha is a romantic 🥰). I hope these young seafarers are indeed “free of need and disadvantage”. These are the lives you transform. These are the seafarers you ensure thrive. Support seafarers with The Seafarers Charity. It’s plain sailing ⛵️ (And you get to do it with me and my dream team. Bonus methinks)

Proud to see our Trustee, Lee Clarke Vorster AFRIN, leading the 'Navigating Inclusivity' panel at the I EXIST TOO Forum 2025! We are honoured to sponsor this event as part of our ongoing commitment to promoting #equity, #diversity and #inclusion in the #MaritimeSector! 💙

Huge thanks to Claire Womersley and everyone involved in the HFW Burns Evening raising £2,013 in support of #seafarers in need and their families! 💙 Claire will also be running the #LondonMarathon on Sunday 27 April for The Seafarers’ Charity. Show your support and help her reach her fundraising target 👇 https://lnkd.in/ecGkC6_m

Bananas for breakfast, anyone? 🍌 #Seafarers are the ones making sure there’s enough to go around for everyone! 🌍 Let’s show some love to these key workers this #PayrollGivingMonth. Give as you earn and make your donation go further 👇 https://lnkd.in/e6nhfeW3

We’re excited to launch our Charity of the Month initiative, showcasing the incredible work of the organisations we fund! 🙌 This month, we're spotlighting Islay & Jura Community Enterprises (IJCE), a charity providing essential support for current and retired #seafarers. Thanks to our grant, IJCE delivers wellness activities, #MentalHealth support, and practical services to help seafarers navigate financial, social, and health challenges. From Aquacare fitness sessions keeping retired seafarers active to the Autumn Years lunch club connecting them with financial and welfare services, IJCE makes a tangible difference in the lives of seafarers and their families. They also offer free VHF Radio training and survival at sea courses, helping the next generation start their careers with confidence! 😎 Read the full case study and learn how our grant is supporting seafarers 👇 https://lnkd.in/ep2-2AT3

We’re delighted to be featured in Sailors' Children's Society’s #FunderFriday post! 🙌 We are proud to support their vital work, helping seafaring families in crisis access the support they need. By funding key fundraising roles and initiatives like the upcoming "Waves of Influence: Women Leading Maritime" lunch, we’ve helped them expand their reach and provide essential support to even more families. This partnership is a great example of how strategic funding strengthens organisations, ensuring long-term sustainability and greater impact. Here’s to continuing our work together! 💙