Covid-19 is an unprecedented international crisis which means that we must all take care of our own welfare and that of our families and loved ones. However, it is now that seafarers need us most.
Please help The Mission to Seafarers to support seafarers internationally through our new online digital chaplaincy program. MtS chaplains provide pastoral support, mental health first aid and critical incident stress counselling to seafarers who are under intense pressure and are worried about their families at home. Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic is having a huge impact on everyone around the world, seafarers must particularly feel isolated at this time; helpless to protect their families, struggling to get home, being stuck in transit because of paperwork, or lack of air transport and extended contracts. The levels of worry and concern are beyond comprehension, including the possibility of being unable to say goodbye to loved ones who pass away.
As a significant percentage of seafarers welfare facilities are unable to open, we are using the digital service to provide emotional and counselling support to seafarers during this time. In the words of our Secretary General, Andrew Wright,
Covid-19 has created extraordinary difficulties for seafarers. Border closures and travel restrictions have had a major impact. Many have been unable to go home at the end of their contracts and have had to live with extensions. Others have been unable to join ships to start their contracts, creating potential financial difficulty. Many crew are very, very worried about their families back home. Seafarers arriving into ports are often unable to access shops, medical facilities or seafarer centres. Some are prevented from any kind of shore leave. Communicating with family can be a problem. And yet it is this group of heroic men and women, working against a background of enhanced challenges, who are so vital to sustaining our supply chains, not least in relation to food and medical equipment. At The Mission to Seafarers we are determined to continue our front line support in every way that we can in these testing times. We are doing so in ways both old and new and it has been a period of significant creativity.
Take part in this challenge or simply donate to help raise £60k in 90 days!
To become involved in the campaign email Krishna@missiontoseafarers.org and download the leaflet here.
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