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
North Pacific Green Corridor Consortium forms new corridor
(Posted on 18/04/24)Global industry leaders from North America, Asia and Europe have announced the formation of the North... Read more
Tomini Dynasty Captain receives prestigious Gallantry Award
(Posted on 16/04/24)Tomini Group, a world-class dry bulk ship owner, has announced that Captain Om Dutta has been honoured... Read more
Singapore retains top spot as world’s leading maritime city
(Posted on 15/04/24)Singapore has retained its title as the leading maritime city in the world, followed by Rotterdam and... Read more
AtoB@C Shipping takes delivery of Stellamar
(Posted on 15/04/24)AtoB@C Shipping, a subsidiary of ESL Shipping, the leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic... Read more
Maritime industry leaders to explore ammonia as marine fuel on US West Coast
(Posted on 29/03/24)American Bureau of Shipping, CALAMCO, Fleet Management Limited, Sumitomo Corporation and TOTE Services... Read more
MMS raises awareness over improper use of antibiotics on board vessels
(Posted on 29/03/24)Leading provider of medical support services for crews, Marine Medical Solutions (MMS), is concerned... Read more
ESL to sell Supramaxes
(Posted on 25/03/24)ESL Shipping, a leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region, has signed a memorandum of... Read more
Sustainable fuels can reach cost parity with fossil fuels by 2035
(Posted on 25/03/24)New Wärtsilä analysis shows EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime will close price gap, creating policy... Read more
Swedish Club delivers firm foundation for future growth
(Posted on 25/03/24)The Swedish Club reported positive results for 2023, combined with an emphasis on supporting its members... Read more
DNV establishes Tanker and Bulker Expert Team in China
(Posted on 18/03/24)DNV has established a Tanker and Bulker Expert Team based in Shanghai. With strong global demand and... Read more
