Helping you through the pandemic
If you are a seafarer and have been affected by Covid-19, we are here working hard to support you throughout the pandemic.
Mental health and wellbeing support
We have extended our free mental health and wellbeing advice and support for seafarers. This service is now available to all working and retired seafarers and their families through our online provider Togetherall.
Benefits and debt advice line
If you have been affected by Covid-19 and need free, confidential, and impartial advice, the Seafarers Advice & Information Line (SAIL) can assist you with information on benefits and debt related issues.
Grants
Grants for urgent needs and priority debts are available. We are working closely with our partner organisations to ensure that all grant applications are processed promptly. Please apply through SAIL or caseworkers from SSAFA, the Fishermen’s Mission and Nautilus.
The Maritime Anchor Fund has been set up by The Seafarers Charity for working age Merchant Navy seafarers affected by Covd-19. For more information on how to apply for a grant contact SAIL.
In addition to this, for Nautilus members, a Covid-19 hardship grant is available to buy food and other essential items. You can apply for a special fast-tracked grant while you wait for your first benefit payment. Contact us for more information.
Physiotherapy
Working seafarers can access free physiotherapy safely at this time. Consultations are available by telephone and video, as well as face-to-face, with additional online exercise classes to keep you fit.
Dreadnought Medical Service
During the Covid-19 crisis, and in line with other NHS services, all elective work at St Thomas’ Hospital using the Dreadnought Medical Service stopped. However, the good news is that the NHS is now encouraging hospitals and GP’s surgeries, etc, to reopen as normally as possible — including for acute procedures. Seafarers who need elective procedures can visit their GP or MCA-approved doctor to request a referral to the hospital via the Dreadnought Medical Unit. Those with existing referrals will be contacted directly by the hospital. Unavoidably, there will be delays as normal service slowly resumes, but it is good news that the important medical services for seafarers upon whom the country and the economy rely, are slowly returning.
SeaFit Programme
Health and wellbeing support is still available to fishers and their families by phone and email. Local events are being held where possible. Details of these events will be publicised locally.
Get advice and support
Call Connect PhysioLine on 0191 247 5000
Lines are open Monday to Thursday 8.30am — 8 pm; Friday 8.30am to 4pm; Saturday 9am — 12pm.