(previously known as King George’s Fund For Sailors)

Seafarers UK (formally known as King George’s Fund for Sailors) has been helping people in the maritime community for 100 years, by providing vital funding to support seafarers in need and their families.

The charity does this by giving money to organisations and projects that make a real difference to people’s lives across the Merchant Navy, Fishing Fleets, Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Last year Seafarers UK gave grants totalling £3.6 million to over 60 maritime welfare charities.

As an ‘island nation’ the UK depends on seafarers to defend our shores, trade with other countries and import essential fuel and food. The job of a seafarer is therefore vital, but also demanding and hazardous with a much greater chance of injury than many other professions.

Serving seafarers may be facing problems of very different kinds; long periods of separation from friends and family, extended periods of duty, fatigue, and working heavy machinery whilst being exposed to harsh weather. Such dangers and difficulties can lead to disability, depression, debt, relationship breakdown, injury or even death.

Funding from Seafarers UK enables seafarers to access advice and information, and if necessary to adapt to life on shore, re-train and find new employment.

Because Seafarers UK works closely with all of the organisations that support seafarers and their dependants, donations can be targeted where they will make the biggest difference.

Seafarers UK receives no government funding and relies on donations, legacies and fundraising to be able to carry on providing long-term aid. Without this, there simply wouldn’t be the level of support the charity is able to provide today and that last year gave hope and help to over 170,000 seafarers and their families when they needed it most.

Website: www.seafarers.uk