The Mission to Seafarers has reaffirmed its commitment to developing new mental health services in 2019 in response to increasing concerns around mental wellbeing at sea to raise awareness of the issues currently facing seafarers, specifically the loneliness many feel around the festive period as a result of being separated from their families and loved ones.
Namely, the Mission acknowledged the work a majority shipping companies are doing to tackle matters such as loneliness and isolation, but called for a renewed focus on reaching vulnerable seafarers who may be unable to access existing resources.
Concerning seafarers, the Mission understands the important work of its staff, such as centre managers and volunteers, who highlight seafarers’ mental health on a daily basis.
The Mission to Seafarers also provides a shoreside service, which is about visiting ships, offering pastoral support or delivering Christmas gift parcels – often the only gift a seafarer will receive on Christmas Day.
Moreover, the Mission announced that it will keep on growing and expanding its global services around key maritime hubs across the globe to meet the demands of a rapidly increasing field.
On November, the Mission signed an MoU with the Panama Maritime Authority for the provision of seafarer welfare services. The agreement will let the Mission to start its services in Panamanian ports, including the Panama Canal.
Finally, the service attended Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, President of The Mission to Seafarers.
