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September 2024
Dear Supporter,
Welcome to the September edition of Seapost, The Seafarers' Charity's e-newsletter. As we transition into autumn, we are excited to share the latest updates and news with you.
Thank you to everyone who joined our Fly the Red Ensign campaign on Merchant Navy Day, 3 September, to celebrate the brave men and women behind the Merchant Navy flag. Your support, whether physical or digital, helped raise awareness of the vital contributions of our seafarers throughout history.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for the Annual National Service for Seafarers at St Paul’s Cathedral on 9 October. This uplifting event celebrates the contributions of seafarers from all maritime professions and is free for all to attend.
We’re proud to co-fund ISWAN’s new campaign on women’s safety at sea, which aims to create safer working environments for female seafarers. This initiative, built on real seafarer experiences, emphasises the importance of allyship in the maritime sector.
The Maritime Charities Group has launched a new survey, open until 30 September, to gather insights on the welfare needs of UK seafarers. This is an important opportunity for seafarers to voice their concerns and shape future support services.
Lastly, we have limited places available for the London Marathon 2025 and are getting ready to launch the 24 Peaks Challenge 2025. Whether you prefer running or tackling mountain summits, or looking for a new personal challenge, these events offer a great way to support seafarers and their families.
Thank you for your continued support. We hope you enjoy this edition of Seapost.
Best wishes,
Luca Selvaggio
Editor
Thank you for joining us in celebrating the people behind the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day!
At The Seafarers' Charity, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in our Fly the Red Ensign campaign - whether physically or digitally - to honour the brave men and women who have served as merchant seafarers. Their incredible courage and unwavering determination played a vital role in sustaining supply lines during both World Wars and continue to do so today as essential key workers, ensuring the delivery of crucial goods like food and fuel.
On Merchant Navy Day, our staff proudly gathered in our office to fly the Red Ensign, joining countless others across the nation in paying tribute to our seafarers. On 8 September, our Chief Executive, Deborah Layde, and Impact Director, Tina Barnes, attended the Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service at Trinity Square Gardens, London, where Deborah Layde laid The Seafarers’ Charity wreath in memory of all those in the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet who have no grave but the sea.
Annual National Service for Seafarers returns to St Paul's Cathedral
Join us at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday, 9 October 2024, at 5 pm for the Annual National Service for Seafarers, organised by The Seafarers’ Charity and Trinity House.
This uplifting event, held annually since 1905, honours the invaluable contributions of seafarers across all maritime professions, from the Merchant and Royal Navies to fishing fleets and commercial shipping. The service is free and open to all.
'Safe at sea' - ISWAN's new campaign on Women's Safety
We’re proud to have co-funded ISWAN’s new campaign, in partnership with the UK P&I Club, to address the critical issue of women’s safety at sea. Research shows that many women seafarers feel unsafe on board, facing harassment and a lack of safety in male-dominated environments.
This seafarer-led campaign, built on real voices and experiences, emphasises the power of allyship. It calls on everyone in the maritime sector to step up, support their colleagues, and help create a safer, more inclusive working environment.
Maritime Charities Group wants seafarer views on future welfare
The Maritime Charities Group (MCG) has launched a new survey to understand the challenges faced by seafarers and shape future welfare support as part of ongoing research on the demographic profile of the UK’s Merchant Navy and fishing fleet.
It will provide valuable evidence for the UK’s maritime welfare charities, giving fresh insights into the welfare needs of UK seafarers and their dependents.
Open until 30 September, this survey is your chance to voice your concerns and influence the services you need.
Challenge yourself in 2025 and support seafarers!
Support seafarers and their families by taking on one of The Seafarers' Charity’s exciting challenges next year.
We have limited charity places available for next year's iconic London Marathon taking place on 27 April. Join #TeamSeafarersKGFS and run to support seafarers in need. Apply now - places are filling up fast!
In addition, take on the 24 Peaks Challenge from 5-6 July 2025, where you’ll conquer 24 peaks in the Lake District. It’s one of the UK’s most demanding challenges, but incredibly rewarding!
