The Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS) is a maritime charity dedicated to meeting the health, welfare and advice needs of seafarers of any nationality based in the United Kingdom. For over 203 years, we have been looking after seafarers and their families through the provision of health and welfare grants, and by supporting the maritime organisations that care for them.

Throughout our history, we have refined our services to reflect the changing needs of seafarers, and we continue to support a range of health and wellbeing services that ensure seafarers are able to access the vital treatment they need to keep them fit to work at sea, as well as being there as a vital source of support in times of need.

We work tirelessly to provide a range of services to working and retired seafarers, including emergency financial support through our grant giving work, and work collaboratively with maritime charities and organisations to support initiatives such as SeaFit, a joint initiative between SHS and the Fishermen’s Mission to take vital healthcare services to quayside events across the UK.

We also provide working seafarers with access to free fast track physiotherapy treatment, are supporting the installation of over 200 automated external defibrillators on fishing boats around the country, as well as working to address the all too often overlooked healthcare needs to women seafarers through the provision of free feminine hygiene kits.

While the nature of working at sea has changed significantly since our inception in 1821, our mission remains the same. We are determined to continue our work as a force for positive change, and through the generous donations and fundraising of people like you, we will be able to help more and more people for decades to come.