Liverpool Seafarers Centre has been supporting seafarers for over 150 years. We understand the unique challenges and isolation that seafarers face, and our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment at our centre, where seafarers from our local area and across the world can find practical and emotional support, welfare services, and a sense of community during their time in the port of Liverpool.
Our work extends beyond our centre itself and our Ship Welfare visitors are onboard vessels daily to provide support when turnaround time is limited. Through our efforts, we strive to ensure that seafarers feel valued and supported.
Crew Welfare Services
To combat the isolation that Seafarers can face, we provide free internet, discounted phone cards and access to phones and laptops, enabling seafarers to communicate with home. We provide food parcels and assist with personal matters such as arranging emergency dental treatment and providing repatriation assistance. When hardship strikes, financial assistance is an option. In instances of mental health crisis, a Chaplaincy service is available and we retain the services of a Clinical Psychologist should the need present itself.
Recreational Centre
Our seafarers centre, which opens daily, is located in the heart of the Liverpool docklands. Its homely atmosphere provides a warm and welcoming place for mariners to socialise and relax. Our team of staff and volunteers are always available for a friendly chat, or to provide useful information about the local area. Our centre boasts an ever expanding range of facilities including:
● Licenced Bar, Cafe and Shop
● Recreational facilities, Pool Table, Table Football, board games
● Large screen TV, music and DVD Exchange
● Free Wifi
● Money Exchange
● Library & International Newspapers
● Outside seating and BBQ area
● Chapel & Quiet Area
● Local Information
● Free minibus transport for crew
Crew Welfare Hub at Liverpool Cruise Terminal
Throughout the summer season, the Liverpool Cruise Terminal is bustling with around 36 cruise liners making multiple trips to the city with over 20,000 crew members working across the vessels. This summer, we are operating a Crew Welfare Hub at Liverpool Cruise Terminal, making it easier and more accessible for thousands of seafarers to access support without venturing into the city.
Focus on Well-being
We recognise the mental health challenges that seafarers endure due to long periods at sea. To address this, we provide acts of kindness, such as confectionery, groceries or flowers and offer a listening ear for seafarers who may find it difficult to open up to their fellow crew members or company. Simply talking to us about their family lives can have a profound impact on their sense of well-being. Our dedicated Chaplaincy provides comfort, offering services that are inclusive of all denominations. Our new website includes useful resources for supporting seafarers wellbeing. Go to https://liverpoolseafarerscentre.org/resources
Supporting Seafarers’ Health
Through partnerships, we have successfully implemented health initiatives to educate and promote healthy lifestyles. Last year we ran a free health check service and provided education on a range of areas such as sexual health, alcohol reduction and well being. Our oral health initiative provided dental packs for seafarers as well as access to a mobile dental surgery offering treatment. These projects were supported by Mersey Port Health and Manchester Port Health.
Advocacy for Seafarers’ Rights
We actively engage with industry stakeholders to advocate for the rights and welfare of seafarers. Our participation in thought-provoking BBC Podcasts, “The Food Chain, Hungry at Sea” and “Corruption in Port,” shed light on the realities and challenges faced by seafarers, reaching a wider audience beyond the maritime industry. By participating in such media coverage, we aim to bring about systemic change and improve conditions for seafarers globally. Find links to the podcasts here.
Volunteering for the Liverpool Seafarers Centre
Our workforce and volunteers are the backbone of our centre. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to exist. Many of our dedicated volunteers have been with us for decades and have received awards for their exceptional contributions to the voluntary sector. We are continually seeking volunteers who can spare a few hours to help with a wide range of tasks, from helping at our centre, to driving our minibus or helping with DIY and maintenance projects such as painting. Volunteer work is completely flexible, with no commitment, and can be a great way to boost your CV. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please email us [email protected] for more information.
Investing in our Future
We are committed to continually improving the service offering to seafarers. Over the course of the next 12 months we plan to raise an investment of £200K for our charity to enable the replacement of our fleet of minibuses and expand the Seafarers Centre at QE11 Dock, Eastham which has proved to be a success and to create a drop-in centre at Garston Dock and Birkenhead Dock. We have already secured some funding for part of this venture, which indicates commitment and trust from the community in our services. We are hopeful that our maritime community will recognise the valuable contributions we make to seafarers’ lives and will come forward to help support us.
Ways the Maritime Industry can Help
We rely solely on the generosity of corporate supporters and volunteers to continue our vital work. There are many ways in which the corporate community can support us, from Corporate Social Responsibility schemes to fundraising and volunteering initiatives. We always welcome donations of communication equipment such as laptops and mobile phones, warm clothing, food and toiletries as well as confectionery. Monetary donations can significantly help with the cost of running our recreational centre. With your donations, we can make a difference to the lives of seafarers, both on land and on board vessels and secure the future of our lifeline services within the maritime community.
Member of The International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA)
Winners of the Diversity and Inclusion category 2022 Mersey Maritime Industry Awards
For further information, please contact:
John Wilson, Chief Executive
Tel: 0300 800 8080 / Mob: 07973824154
Email: [email protected]
Photos can be downloaded from Dropbox here.
