It is known that the COVID-19 pandemic and current crew change situation has negatively affected the health and wellbeing of seafarers.
In light of the situation, ISWAN And V.Group shake hands in order to team up and support the mental wellbeing of the industry.
“The current situation in terms of the health and wellbeing of seafarers and office support staff around the world is a serious concern, and something we won’t realise the full impact of for months, even years to come. With the current humanitarian crisis in India showing no sign of slowing and the pandemic continuing to impact the mental health of seafarers and those onshore, it is now more important than ever to support mental wellbeing, and is essential that these issues are addressed sooner rather than later”.
… as V.Group stated.
As part of their collaboration, last month, both sides run a webinar on mental wellbeing, discussing ways on how to promote and support the welfare of seafarers.
To remind, ISWAN works with companies, unions, governments, welfare organisations and ports on the implementation of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. The organisation aims to support those who establish and provide welfare facilities and services in port and on ships.
ISWAN has also been supporting V.Group with the creation of support structures for employees including the creation of a global network of Mental Wellbeing Champions.
For the record, the Mental Wellbeing Champions is a network of people across the globe, who are dedicated to breaking down stigma and barriers to support.
Our Mental Wellbeing (MW) Champions make a real difference across the organisation and play a supporting role to our Mental Wellbeing Committee in normalising mental health illnesses by talking about them and sharing experiences, dispelling myths and making it easier for colleagues to seek support.
…. V.Group added.
As Matt Dunlop, Global Director HSSEQ & Technical at V.Group concluded, over the last year its mental wellbeing committee and champions have been working hard to provide a support network to colleagues, at sea and ashore.
