Supporting seafarers and their families: the report of the conference
The Supporting Seafarers 2007 Conference brought together 75 maritime charities and organisations to consider the findings of the research programme on the needs of the UK seafaring community. The conference launched the summary report of the research findings and conclusions ‘Supporting seafarers and their families: challenges for the future’. Guest speaker, Andrew Hind, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission reviewed and supported the research and highlighted the value of its findings and conclusions. This well attended, interactive event offered delegates the opportunity to provide useful feedback on the research and discuss the way ahead. The report on the conference can be downloaded below:
Supporting seafarers and their families: the report of the research programme
In 2006 the Maritime Charities Funding Group (MCFG), consisting the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (in the chair), Seafarers UK, NUMAST Welfare Funds, the Seamen’s Hospital Society, Trinity House and UK affiliates of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, commissioned research to provide a resource for all organisations that work with seafarers in the UK. Four independent research teams worked with maritime charities, independent organisations, seafarers and their families to build a comprehensive picture of the needs and aspirations of the whole seafaring community. This includes the Royal Navy & Royal Marines, Merchant Navy, fishermen and those seafarers visiting UK ports. Funding was provided by MCFG charities, Dreadnought Medical Services, the Veterans’ Minister’s Challenge Fund from the Ministry of Defence and the International Transport Workers Federation.
Click here to download a PDF of the main report overview
The full reports of the research focuses on:
- older seafarers and their dependants
- working-age seafarers
- families and dependants of working-age seafarers - including appendices
- young people in maritime youth groups
The MCFG charities continue to work together to support maritime charities in implementing the recommendations. For example, as a first step, the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) plans to reduce the real value of investments over the next 20 years in order to increase its support for beneficiaries at a time when the numbers and needs are expected to be greatest. Other members are considering how to respond to the research findings.