No images? Click here
September 2025
Dear Supporter,
Welcome to the September 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 2025 – Thank You for Flying the Red Ensign
On 3 September, communities, organisations, and landmarks across the UK proudly raised the Red Ensign to mark Merchant Navy Day and celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Fly the Red Ensign campaign.
From 10 Downing Street, Tower Bridge, London Guildhall, Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, and many more, the Red Ensign was flown to honour the immense contribution of merchant seafarers past and present. Local communities also held flag-raising ceremonies, wore red, and shared their support online.
This year’s anniversary coincides with the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, reminding us of the bravery of those who kept supply lines open in wartime, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, whether by flying the Red Ensign, wearing red, or sharing your support online, to honour the seafarers who continue to keep our nation moving.
Annual National Service for Seafarers 2025
Mark your calendars for the Annual National Service for Seafarers (ANSS), organised by The Seafarers’ Charity and Trinity House, at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 8 October 2025. The service offers thanks for the vital contribution of seafarers across every sector, including the Merchant and Royal Navies, fishing communities, cruise ships, ferries, and commercial vessels.
The ANSS provides a moment to honour those currently serving, remember seafarers of the past, and pay tribute to lives lost at sea. This year marks the 120th anniversary of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), whose civilian crews play a crucial role in supporting the Royal Navy worldwide.
The service is free to attend and open to all, welcoming seafarers, their families, supporters, and maritime organisations. We invite you to register and join us on this meaningful occasion of reflection and gratitude.
For more information, please email anss@theseafarerscharity.org.
New Maritime Charities Group report predicts major changes for UK seafarers
On 8 September, we joined fellow members of the Maritime Charities Group at Trinity House for the launch of Seafarers 2040, a landmark report predicting major changes to the UK’s seafaring community over the next 15 years.
The research shows a sharp decline in the UK’s seafaring community, from over half a million today to just 300,000 by 2040, and highlights seafarers’ concerns about safety and shore leave.
Our Impact Director, Tina Barnes, contributed to the expert panel, discussing what these findings mean for maritime welfare charities and how we can prepare for the future.
Maritime welfare charities join forces at London International Shipping Week 2025
On 16 September, we joined Sailors’ Society, The Mission to Seafarers, and Stella Maris to host a panel on ‘The Future of Seafarer Welfare’ during London International Shipping Week 2025.
Nearly 100 attendees from across the maritime sector came together to discuss seafarers’ safety, mental health, fatigue, and the partnerships needed to support their welfare.
Our Chief Executive, Deborah Layde, chaired the panel, which included insights from Patrick Ryan (UK P&I Club), Captain Louise Sara (Carnival Corporation), Will Maclachlan (HFW), and Karen Davis (OCIMF).
Get inspired and join #TeamSeafarersKGFS at the London Marathon 2026!
Watch our video to meet some of the incredible #TeamSeafarersKGFS runners from the London Marathon 2025 and see why they chose to run with The Seafarers’ Charity. Let their stories inspire you to take on the challenge in London Marathon 2026!
On Sunday 26 April 2026, you can run and raise essential funds to support seafarers and their families with emergency aid, mental health services, safety support and more.
Interested? Contact our Events Team for more info: events@theseafarerscharity.org
A warm blanket of care
In a remote island community far from major healthcare facilities, Cobhair Bharraigh provides essential support for former seafarers.
Thanks to a £15,000 grant from The Seafarers’ Charity towards its core costs, Cobhair Bharraigh can continue providing what manager Margaret Ann calls “the warm blanket of care,” supporting elderly seafarers with mental, physical, or sensory impairments and enabling them to live with dignity.
Riding for a Cause: Port-2-Port 2025 Challenge
We’re delighted to be the chosen charity for Port-2-Port 2025, a unique two-day cycling challenge organised by Herbosch-Kiere Marine Contractors.
With a fundraising target of £200 each, 24 riders will cycle 300 km from the Port of Tyne to ABP Hull on 12–14 October 2025, raising vital funds to support seafarers in need and their families.
Good luck to all the riders and a huge THANK YOU to the event sponsors and partners for their generous support: PD Ports, Briggs Marine, Port of Tyne, Coretex Drilling, UKHMA, British Ports Association, and Frankham Group.
New Study Begins to Support Seafarers with Diabetes
The Seafarers' Charity and partners are funding a study on diabetes management for seafarers.
With support from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, 50 seafarers will wear glucose-monitoring kits for 12 months at sea and on land.
Led by the University of Surrey and Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, and funded by a £40,000 award from The Seafarers’ Charity and The Fishmongers' Company’s Charitable Trust, the study aims to show how effectively diabetes can be managed at sea and help shape future medical standards for seafarers and fishers.
It's National Inclusion Week!
We’re celebrating by sharing our special video for Equality and Diversity UK, highlighting why inclusion matters and how we can all make a difference.
At The Seafarers’ Charity, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Our staff-led EDI team meets regularly to discuss and educate colleagues on race, nationality, gender, sexuality, disability and mental health. Through activities, videos and training, we challenge our thinking, learn from different lived experiences, and ensure every seafarer and staff member feels heard, supported and valued.
Watch our video, reflect and join us in showing that Now is the Time for equity, dignity and belonging.
