Emergency response - Seafarers Hospital Society

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Helping you through crises

If you are a seafarer and have been affected by a crisis and are suffering from long Covid or the cost-of-living crisis, we are here working hard to support you and those whop depend on you.

Mental health and wellbeing support

We have extended our free mental health and wellbeing advice and support for seafarers. This service is now available to all working and retired seafarers and their families through our online provider Togetherall.

Benefits and debt advice line

If you have are suffering from long Covid, or have been affected by the cost-of-living crisis. You can get free, confidential and impartial advice from the Seafarers Advice & Information Line (SAIL). They can assist you with information on benefits and debt related issues.

Grants

Grants for urgent needs and priority debts are available. We are working closely with our partner organisations to ensure that all grant applications are processed promptly. Please apply through SAIL or caseworkers from SSAFA, the Fishermen’s Mission and Nautilus.

The Maritime Anchor Fund has been set up by The Seafarers Charity for working age Merchant Navy seafarers affected by Crises and for those affected by the P&O Ferries Redundancies. For more information on how to apply for a grant contact SAIL.

In addition to this, for Nautilus members, an emergency hardship grant is available. You can apply for a special fast-tracked grant while you wait for your first benefit payment. Contact us for more information.

Also in this section

Mental health and wellbeing

Working at sea can be challenging to your mental health too. We fund Togetherall to offer a free, confidential online service to seafarers who need help with mental health and wellbeing issues. It includes access to trained counsellors, a support network, self-help materials and one-to-one therapy.

Our work on health and fitness

To help you live an independent and active life, both in work and in retirement, SHS are continually developing the work we do to meet the health and fitness needs of seafarers.

Grants to seafarers

Life can be unpredictable, no matter how carefully you plan. Sudden illness, unexpected changes in circumstances, the loss of someone you love - can cause financial and emotional distress. That's where we come in. We can help with unpaid bills and grants for essential household goods, disability aids and equipment, and other expenses.