Sailors' Society launches helpline
(Posted on 12/05/20)
International maritime welfare charity Sailors' Society has launched a dedicated helpline for seafarers and their families.
The confidential, 24 hour service is there to offer support and welfare to those worried or adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Sandra Welch, the charity's COO and director of programme, said: “We’ve seen an increase in calls for help and advice of late and there’s a lot of uncertainty, so our new dedicated Covid-19 helpline is a welcome addition to our services.
“Many seafarers don’t know when they will sign-off and return home, others haven’t been able to start contracts due to lockdowns. They are worried about losing their income and anxious about loved ones - the toll on their mental health is apparent.
“We are also offering grants to help seafarers and their families whose incomes have been decimated through loss of work and would encourage those in need to get in touch.”
The helpline is a result of the charity's Covid-19 emergency appeal, which has seen donations pour in from hundreds of individual supporters and shipping companies alike, including generous contributions from North P&I, Trinity House and West P&I.
Sandra continued: “We’ve had an incredible response to our ongoing Covid-19 emergency appeal and are so grateful for everyone’s support, but there is still so much to be done and the strain seafarers are under is ever increasing."
With lockdowns ongoing in many countries, the charity has ensured a continued service by offering virtual chaplaincy and welfare support, with physical ship visiting only taking place where regulations allow.
Seafarers can access a suite of practical resources produced by Sailors’ Society including an advice hub, Facebook support group and podcasts to help seafarers during the coronavirus crisis.
Shipping companies have also contacted Sailors' Society, known globally for its award-winning wellness at sea programme, asking for help in supporting crews through the pandemic.
Seafarers and their family members can contact Sailors’ Society’s dedicated helpline by calling +1-938-222-8181 or instant chat via www.wellnessatsea.org/covid-19
To access Sailors' Society's resources visit www.sailors-society.org/coronavirus or to donate to the charity's appeal visit www.sailors-society.org/coronavirusgive
To talk about partnering with Sailors' Society to help your crews email partnerships@sailors-society.org
Latest News
Record numbers from Indian subcontinent for Sailors’ Society conference
(Posted on 22/09/25)More than 4000 cadets, trainees and ratings from the Indian subcontinent took part in the first of Sailors... Read more
The Swedish Club expands management team
(Posted on 22/09/25)The Swedish Club have announced that it is strengthening its management team to match the pace of its... Read more
Shipowners face Port State Control crackdown on BWTS compliance
(Posted on 22/09/25)BIO-UV Group is advising shipowners to ready themselves for extensive Port State Control inspections... Read more
CORE POWER welcomes agreement to accelerate investment in maritime decarbonisation
(Posted on 16/09/25)The U.S. and the UK have announced a bilateral collaboration to accelerate reactor licensing from three... Read more
Cobelfret accelerates digital transformation with integrated maritime platform
(Posted on 14/09/25)Cobelfret, a leading global dry bulk shipowner and operator based in Singapore, has partnered with Smart... Read more
Support grows for India’s new maritime CCTV rules
(Posted on 14/09/25)Zelim is calling on international regulators and flag states to follow India’s lead on enhancing... Read more
Ionic extends Orca AI to bulker fleet to boost safety
(Posted on 09/09/25)Athens-based Ionic controls a fleet of eight crude tankers and 11 bulkers under its respective wet and... Read more
Columbia and Pan Marine launch Egyptian JV
(Posted on 09/09/25)Columbia Group, a global leader in integrated maritime services, has announced the establishment of... Read more
Indonesian ship operator selects Veson as partner for digitalisation Journey
(Posted on 01/09/25)Veson Nautical, a global leader in maritime data and freight management solutions, and Andhika Lines... Read more
VIKAND : Digitalisation presents emerging psychological pressures for seafarers
(Posted on 01/09/25)As the digital transformation accelerates across the maritime industry, global maritime healthcare leader... Read more
