No images? Click here
August 2026
Dear Supporter,
Welcome to the August edition of Seapost, The Seafarers' Charity's e-newsletter. We’re so grateful for your continued support and we’ve packed this edition with exciting updates and ways you can make a real difference to seafarers' lives. We hope you enjoy reading it!
Best wishes,
Luca Selvaggio
Editor
Merchant Navy Day 2026
Thursday 3 September marks Merchant Navy Day, a day to celebrate the men and women who serve or have served in the UK Merchant Navy. For more than a decade, The Seafarers' Charity has led the call for communities, organisations and public buildings across the UK to Fly the Red Ensign in recognition of their vital contribution.
Merchant seafarers have kept supply lines open during times of conflict and crisis, and today continue to play a vital role in the nation's economy, security and resilience. Merchant Navy Day is an opportunity to recognise their dedication and ensure their contribution does not go unnoticed.
To help raise awareness of our Fly the Red Ensign campaign, we have created a free social media toolkit. This features ready-to-use graphics, infographics, a message from our President, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and virtual backgrounds. Whether you are organising a flag-hoisting ceremony or taking part digitally, please share your support on social media using #MerchantNavyDay and tag The Seafarers' Charity.
Join us on Friday 11 September at the historic Fishmongers' Hall, London, for Waves of Influence: Women Leading Maritime – a special fundraising lunch delivered by The Seafarers' Charity in partnership with Sailors' Children's Society.
Supported by Trinity House and sponsored by UK P&I Club, the event will bring together maritime leaders and supporters to celebrate women in the sector, with keynote speakers, special guests, and a raffle and auction hosted by Caroline Hawley from BBC's Bargain Hunt.
A few tables still remain, so get in touch to make sure you experience one of the standout events in the maritime calendar. Every booking helps both charities continue supporting seafarers and their families: last year’s inaugural edition raised more than £50,000!
To find out more or book your table, please contact events@theseafarerscharity.org.
I Exist Too: Ensuring No One Is Invisible at Sea
This month we’re celebrating the work of I Exist Too, a charity dedicated to creating a more humane maritime sector where LGBTQ+ people are recognised, valued, and have the space to tell their stories.
Funding from The Seafarers’ Charity has enabled I Exist Too to deliver educational programmes, build partnerships across maritime, engage with industry stakeholders, and produce research that informs fairer policies and practices on board.
Learn how I Exist Too has brought together a hugely diverse range of stakeholders to encourage much-needed conversations about inclusion.
Sea Views: Offshore Safety, Human Factors & Life Offshore
In the latest episode of Sea Views, Gordon Foot shares insights from a career spanning Royal Navy submarines, offshore energy, marine construction and renewables, exploring how leadership, human factors and resilience shape safety at sea.
Supported by CHIRP Maritime and funded by The Seafarers' Charity, this episode also highlights the importance of connectivity, seafarer welfare and the opportunities the growing blue economy offers the next generation.
Discover why creating safer, more supportive working environments starts with people.
Joint Letter Calls for Better Protection of Migrant Fisher
The Seafarers' Charity has joined FLEX, the International Transport Workers' Federation, Nautilus International, Stella Maris and the Ethical Trading Initiative in calling for urgent action to better protect migrant fishers working on UK-flagged vessels.
The joint letter, sent to the home secretary, outlines ten key reforms to improve labour standards and workers' rights across the UK fishing industry, including the introduction of a dedicated Fishing Worker Visa.
Find out more about the proposed reforms to improve labour standards across the UK fishing industry.
Annual National Service for Seafarers 2026
On Wednesday 14 October, join The Seafarers' Charity and Trinity House at St Paul's Cathedral for the Annual National Service for Seafarers.
Since 1905, the service has brought together seafarers, their families, maritime organisations and supporters to give thanks for the contribution of those who work at sea, honour those who have served and remember those who have lost their lives. Seafarers from every maritime sector are recognised, including the Merchant and Royal Navies, fishing fleets, workboats, ferries, cruise ships and commercial vessels.
The service is free to attend and open to all. For more information or to join the mailing list, please email anss@theseafarerscharity.org.
Ready to Take on the Ultimate Challenge That Transforms Seafarers' Lives?
From 18–20 June 2027, join our epic 24 Peaks Challenge in the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Lake District!
Conquer the Gold 24 Peaks, Silver 21 Peaks or take on the brand new Scafell Pike Challenge, all while raising vital funds to support seafarers and their families.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or taking on your first challenge, every route is fully supported by experienced hill safety staff and marshals. More than a hike, it is a rewarding test of endurance, teamwork and resilience, set against the stunning scenery of the Lake District.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, email events@theseafarerscharity.org.
