August 2023

Dear Supporter,

Welcome to the August edition of Seapost, The Seafarers' Charity's e-newsletter! Get ready for exciting updates and important initiatives.

You will have already seen our plans to celebrate Merchant Navy Day and we hope very much that you will join us in celebrating the faces behind the Merchant Navy flag on Merchant Navy Day, Sunday 3 September. It's a moment to honour the extraordinary men and women seafarers who kept supply lines open during two World Wars, continuing as key workers responsible for transporting over 95% of the UK's imports and exports to our island nation.

During London International Shipping Week 2023, in collaboration with Sailors’ Society, Stella Maris, and The Mission to Seafarers, we are hosting a conference that zooms in on seafarer welfare and wellbeing and how we can continue to collaborate with each other and with industry to improve seafarers' welfare and safety. As the maritime industry evolves, our dedication to the welfare of seafarers remains unwavering.

Highlighting the spirit of unity and commemorative reverence, the Annual National Service for Seafarers, organised in collaboration with Trinity House, is scheduled at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 11 October 2023. We invite you to be part of this wonderful event, honouring seafarers globally, recognising their invaluable contributions, and paying tribute to over 26,000 Merchant Navy and 23,000 Royal Navy seafarers who lost their lives during the deadliest and longest battle of World War II.

We're delighted to announce our sponsorship of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meeting on fishing safety, taking place on 24 October and underscoring our commitment to this cause.

Let's also applaud the winners of our #SafetyDrillTime competition, acknowledging their commitment to onboard safety.

Addressing a pressing concern, we're glad to share our involvement in a new coalition with other seafarers’ welfare organizations aimed at combating abuse, bullying, and harassment at sea.

Podcasts are a powerful platform, and we're thrilled to announce we are funding 5 episodes of the maritime safety podcast, Sea Views, in collaboration with Chirp Maritime.

Lastly, for those seeking new challenges in 2024, we extend an invitation to join our challenge events such as the London Marathon to support seafarers in need and their families while taking part in exciting team bonding activities. If you cannot support us, please do pass this email on to your friends, family, and colleagues.

For more information and resources, please visit our website. We appreciate your continued support and hope you enjoy reading this edition of Seapost.

Best wishes,

Luca Selvaggio

Editor

Join us in celebrating the faces behind the Merchant Navy flag on Merchant Navy Day, Sunday 3 September

We are once again calling on organisations and communities across the UK to pay tribute to the people behind the Merchant Navy Flag by flying the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day, Sunday 3 September.

This year's Merchant Navy Day spotlights those behind the flag, the brave men and women who've served as merchant seafarers. Their courage sustained supply lines during both World Wars, and today they're essential key workers, ensuring the delivery of vital goods like food and fuel.

We invite you to download our Social Media Toolkit and share your experiences and photos on social media using the hashtag #MerchantNavyDay. Whether your own experiences or those of someone you know in the Merchant Navy, we'd love to hear and see them.

Moreover, we extend an invitation to download the Merchant Navy Fund latest newsletter to see how your money helps serving and retired Merchant Navy seafarers in need and their families. Your support makes a tangible difference in their lives.

Join us at LISW23 Charity Conference on seafarer welfare and explore industry challenges

Be part of a pivotal moment in the maritime industry! As part of London International Shipping Week 2023, Sailors’ Society, Stella Maris, The Mission to Seafarer, and The Seafarers' Charity are coming together to host a significant industry conference focusing on seafarer welfare and wellbeing. This event will take place at the iconic Fishmongers' Hall on Tuesday 12 September.

Organised collectively by these leading maritime welfare charities, the afternoon promises engaging keynote speakers and panel discussions, delving into the vital aspects of seafarer welfare and wellbeing. These conversations underscore its ongoing significance in the maritime landscape.

Join us in discussing the importance of seafarer welfare and wellbeing as shipping embraces environmental, social and governance goals.

Save the date: The Annual National Service for Seafarers 2023 is set to return!

An esteemed maritime tradition returns! Join us at St. Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday 11 October, at 17:00 for The Annual National Service for Seafarers (ANSS). This cherished event is brought to you by The Seafarers’ Charity and Trinity House.

The Service for Seafarers has been held nearly every year since 1905 to unite seafarers from the Merchant and Royal Navies, as well as those from our fishing fleets, workboats, cruise liners, commercial shipping, yachts, ferries and indeed any person who makes, or has made, a living from working at sea.

The service is unique in bringing together seafarers from across the maritime professions with representatives of all sectors in the seafaring community, as above, but also includes maritime welfare charities, nautical schools, maritime youth groups and veterans’ associations who gather together in a service of remembrance and thanks.

Join us for this remarkable event that celebrates seafarers from around the world, acknowledging their invaluable contributions.