If you are a seafarer wanting help, or if you are a welfare professional and sometimes need to find help for seafarers there are a number or resources to help you.
Seafarer Support is a free helpline that can refer you to a charity that can help - whatever your situation. If you are a serving or former seafarer or are from a seafaring family they will be happy to help you. The number is 0800 121 4765.
Seafarers Advice and Information Line is a service for Merchant seafarers, fishermen and their families and is operated by the Citizens Advice Bureau. They offer advice and information on debt, benefits, tax credits, housing, employment, pensions, immigration and relationship and family matters. The number is 08457 413 318.
Nautical Welfare Guide
The Nautical Welfare Guide is a database of charities that can help seafarers and their families. It will help you find an organisation that can help you.It has been produced by the Maritime Charities Funding Group (MCFG), a group of seafaring charities comprising Seafarers UK, The Merchant Navy Welfare Board, Seamen’s Hospital Society, Numast Welfare Funds, ITF Seafarers Trust Fund and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
To use the guide:
Select the type of seafaring that you, your family member, or person you are seeking help for, works in or worked in.
Select the type of help you are looking for (such as accomocation, childcare, financial help)
Select the type of person you are, or the person needing help is, choosing from:
- a young person wanting to join a youth group
- an older or former seafarer seeking help
- a seafarer of working age seeking help
- a member of a seafarers family