Life can be unpredictable, no matter how carefully you plan. Sudden illness, unexpected changes in circumstances, the loss of someone you love – all can cause financial and emotional distress. It is at times like this, that we are here to help and support you.
What sort of things can I apply for?
- Household items, such as cookers, fridges, washing machines and beds
- Help with priority debts such as gas, electricity, water, Council Tax, and rent
- Essential household maintenance such as window repairs, heating repairs, decorating and carpets
- Disability aids or equipment, such as stair lifts, electrically powered vehicles (EPVs) including wheelchairs, riser/recliner chairs and adapted bathrooms
- Urgent short-term living expenses
- Respite breaks or convalescence
- Clothing
- Help with funeral expenses.
How does it work?
You, or the people supporting you, should contact us for help. If you already have a caseworker, we will work with them. If you don’t, we can arrange for one to contact, visit and support you through the application process.
NeurodiversAtSea
SHS partner with NeurodiversAtSea and The Seafarers’ Charity to provide tailored support for neurodivergent seafarers. Neurodivergence refers to instances where a person’s brain processes, learns or behaves differently from what is considered ‘typical’. As much as 15% of the UK’s population are neurodivergent, including an estimated 1.2 million autistic individuals and 2.2 million with ADHD, alongside other conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia.
Accessing formal assessments and a diagnosis is an important step in supporting the professional development of neurodivergent seafarers, but this can be a lengthy and costly process. Such delays often represent obstacles to individuals that would benefit from accessing reasonable assistance and adjustments during their training and professional examinations that would allow them to thrive in the workplace.
As part of our ongoing efforts to foster greater equity, diversity and inclusion in maritime, an initial pilot scheme with £9,761 of funding has been made available to UK-based seafarers. SHS now offer grants to seafarers that suspect that they are neurodivergent to access assessments for a range of conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and other specific learning differences. If necessary, our team are also able to assess and cover expenses related to attending these appointments.
By helping seafarers to pursue a formal diagnosis, and gain access the necessary assistance that will help to bolster their employability, this project takes an important step towards unlocking an under-utilised talent pool for the UK’s maritime sector.
For any further queries about accessing these grants, please contact: [email protected]
Applying for grants
Where do the caseworkers come from?
We work through caseworkers from other organisations such as Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, the Fishermen’s Mission, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) and Nautilus.
How do I apply?
Requests must be in writing, so you and your caseworker will need to complete an application form, which you can download here. We accept application forms from other organisations so check with us before filling in ours. If we can use an existing form, we’ll let you know to save you the extra time and effort.
I need help urgently. How long does it all take?
We deal with all applications promptly and urgent cases are always prioritised.
Will everyone know about it?
All requests for grants are confidential, and personal information is handled according to the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Disability aids
The Society provides grants for health-related items such as disability aids, stair lifts, electrically powered vehicles (EPVs), riser/recliner chairs and adapted bathrooms.
2024: Our grants in numbers
£228,224
in grants to institutions
£183,989
in grants to individuals
£412,213
total grant expenditure
£926,277
on charitable work