The charity, Seafarers UK, has helped seafarers and fishers since its origins as the King George’s Fund for Sailors. As the third COVID-19 lockdown endures, the charity continues to support UK fishers and their families through a range of delivery partners who provide specialist help.
Seafarers UK CEO Catherine Spencer said: ‘Fishing is facing excessive problems due to external factors, and for many fishers, life is currently very challenging and upsetting. Seafarers UK funds support for the unique problems faced by those who work at sea.
‘We want to encourage fishers to use the support available to help them through the next few months. A good starting point is the approachable and knowledgeable Fishing Specialist Caseworker at Seafarers Advice and Information Line (SAIL), funded by Seafarers UK, but there are other services provided too. It’s really important that fishers don’t suffer alone and make full use of all the help available.’
Seafarers UK funds delivery partners to provide confidential and helpful solutions for fishers, which include:
Seafarers UK’s most recent report, ‘Fishing without A Safety Net’, uncovered a host of financial difficulties, and informed their response to a range of new initiatives to support the financial resilience of the sector. It has an ambitious range of recommendations to improve life for fishers which will be announced in due course. However, it is recognised that in many cases there is also immediate financial hardship and need among the fishing community and there are already many organisations that are funded by Seafarers UK who are poised and ready to help. A useful starting point for anyone experiencing financial problems is the Seafarers Advice and Information Line who can be contacted on 0800 160 1842.
Press Release
Source: Maritime Shipping News