Amid COVID-19 crisis, Mission to Seafarers recently launched a new campaign focusing on the major welfare issues that seafarers face during the pandemic.
In fact, Mission to Seafarers has targeted a funding total of £600.000 in order to deliver the “Flying Angel” campaign.
With seafarers stuck onboard due to the coronavirus lockdown, feeling desperate and unable to contact their families, the Mission’s initiative will address the mental health and wellbeing issues caused by the outbreak.
Although circumstances are evolving with some crew changes possible, it is clear that seafarers are still suffering, and their mental health and wellbeing will continue to be significantly impacted in the long term. In response, the Mission will be focusing on two main strands to offer support: resilience in ports and technological innovations to improve connectivity.
..as Mission to Seafarers marked.
Through the Flying Angel programme, Mission will provide PPE for all port teams to ensure frontline teams are protected in order to ensure continuity of care.
What is more, there will be adapted vehicles, including screens between the driver and passengers, plus provision of sanitisers and antiseptics to safely transport coronavirus-free seafarers and keep them safe and healthy.
The most urgent need is to prepare seafarer centres to receive seafarers in a safe and COVID-19 clear environment. This means that each of the 121 Flying Angel Centres needs to have a deep clean before opening, as well as screens fitted to protect staff and seafarers.
…the Mission added.
Concluding, the programme goals to create a digital welfare hub for seafarers and their families, ensuring its service users have access to wellbeing resources, its internationally renowned chaplaincy services and provide a place where seafarers can make their voices heard.
We have launched our Flying Angel campaign to ensure our international key workers have support, guidance and connectivity during an extremely isolating and challenging time. We have huge appreciation for the work that our seafarers do and we really hope this new programme of change will benefit those who need it most.
Revd Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General for The Mission to Seafarers concluded.
