New Household Appliance Fund launched to support UK fishing & maritime communities

We are proud to announce the launch of a new Household Appliance Fund to help ease hardship within the UK’s fishing and merchant maritime industries.

At the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, we have long recognised the unique challenges faced by those working at sea – and now, with the introduction of this dedicated fund, we are taking another important step in addressing the real, practical needs of seafarers and their families.

As many as 4.8 million people in the UK are living without at least one essential household appliance, according to research by national anti-poverty charity Turn2Us. Our further investigation, in partnership with colleagues at the Fishermen’s Mission and Sailors’ Children’s Society, has found that this is an all-too-common experience for those living and working within the fishing and maritime sectors.

In response, we have established the Household Appliance Fund, dedicating an initial £30,000 to assist up to 100 families with accessing essential items such as fridges, freezers, cookers and washing machines.

A key feature of this new fund is the removal of financial assessment requirements. In a move away from our standard grant procedures, applicants currently receiving Universal Credit or similar benefits can apply without undergoing income or savings evaluations. This ensures that those who need help the most can access support without unnecessary delays or administrative barriers.

Captain Justin Osmond RN, Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, said:

“Our new Household Appliance Fund reflects our continued dedication to enhancing the living conditions of those who work at sea. By removing financial barriers to essential appliances for seafarers and their families, we can significantly improve their daily lives.

“The fishing and maritime communities we serve are proud, extremely self-reliant, and often find it hard to ask for help when times are difficult, but our message is simple – we understand the challenges you are facing and will help wherever we can.”

For more than 180 years, the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society has supported seafarers in times of crisis and growing financial hardship. The Household Appliance Fund is the latest initiative in our wide-ranging programme of support for the maritime community.

If you are a working mariner or fisher currently receiving Universal Credit or a similar benefit and require help purchasing essential household appliances, we encourage you to contact our Grants team on 01243 787761 or email grants@shipwreckedmariners.org.uk.