Since 1839, the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society charity has been providing vital financial support and practical assistance to merchant seafarers, fishermen, and their dependants in need. In the last year, we paid out £1.3 million in grants in over 1,700 individual cases of need brought about by debt, illness, disability, unemployment or retirement.
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We have helped many thousands of people in their time of need. If you are a serving or former merchant mariner or fisherman, or a dependant of one, get in touch now to find out how we could support you.
GrantsFor full details of how our funds are used and the difference we make, download a copy of our Annual Report.
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A total of £1.4m was paid in grants during the past year. From the many letters of appreciation received at Central Office, we know how our grants make a real difference to needy seafarers and their families. Extracts from just a few are given below:
“I write on behalf of my mother to thank you most sincerely for the funding you provided for her to carry out repairs to her bungalow. The money has been used to make good certain long overdue maintenance, which will make it more weather proof and safe. My late father served in the Merchant Navy in WW1 and he would have been thrilled and delighted with your kindness in providing funding for his much loved wife.”
“I would like to say thank you very much for the help you gave in clearing my rent arrears. I am in advance now for the first time in years. Money is tight but on the budget I exist on it is now manageable. Christmas was good, just by the relief of going in to the New Year in a different frame of mind. Thank you again.”
“Thank you ever so much for the cheque for coal. You don’t know how much it means to me. I can be warm through the winter now.”
“I am writing this letter to thank you so much for the grant you sent me (which was changed into food vouchers). I had a lovely caseworker who organised everything. I am so grateful for all your support and am not sure where I would be right now without your help.”
“I received my cheque from the Shipwrecked Mariners today and I would like to say most sincerely that your grant is most useful in many ways.”
“I would like to thank you for the grant I received – it is so much appreciated and helps greatly. Your local agent is a credit to your Society, he visit brings a ray of sunshine to my life since I lost my husband. I hope your Society continues to prosper to help the bereaved.”
“Thank you so much for your grant which has made life so much easier for me in my time of need and I am truly thankful for that. I am so grateful that there is support there for me and people like myself when you feel you really have nowhere to turn.”
To read examples of the types of cases where we’ve helped click here.
The Society is extremely grateful to Tenby Honorary Agent, Richard Sadler, who went above and beyond to recently arrange transport and siting of a replacement large collecting mine on Holy Island, Northumberland.
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Remarkable stories of skill and gallantry at sea, as well as support for local maritime communities, have been recognised and rewarded at a national awards ceremony held in London.
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Purchasing our charity Christmas, everyday correspondence and birthday cards, and more unusual items not found on the high street, is a great way to support us.
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We need your help. If it wasn’t for you, we could not provide seafarers and their families with the essential support they need.
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Explore our map to find out where our Honorary Agents and collecting mines are situated.
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