For over 160 years, The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) has been at the forefront of providing essential support and care for seafarers across the world. As Programme Manager, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of our initiatives in promoting mental health, suicide prevention, and overall wellbeing among seafarers.
Mental health and wellbeing are not just buzzwords for us – they are the lifelines that keep seafarers motivated, confident, and safe. Positive mental health and wellbeing are essential to every seafarer and their fellow crew as they foster confidence, motivation, teamwork, and safety onboard. The challenges faced by seafarers are unique and often daunting. Long periods away from home, physically demanding tasks, and emotional isolation can lead to anxiety, depression, and, tragically, suicide. At MtS, we believe in the power of proactive support, and this belief is at the heart of our newest WeCare initiatives – SafeTALK MtS.
SafeTALK ‘MtS’: Breaking the silence on suicide
Recognising the need for a comprehensive suicide prevention programme, in 2021, MtS adapted the LivingWorks SafeTALK programme, a unique safety course aimed at raising suicide awareness and promoting suicide-safe communities within the maritime sector.
SafeTALK ‘MtS’ is a game-changer in the shipping industry, helping participants become alert to suicide. Delivered in-person by a team of dedicated trainers, SafeTALK is designed with maritime themes to resonate deeply with seafarers and ensure a positive and relatable learning space. It equips individuals to be better prepared to connect those with suicidal thoughts with life-affirming help.
Many organisations may initially view this type of “soft” training as non-essential. However, the skills learned in SafeTALK – such as emphasising open, safe, and non-judgemental discussions around thoughts of suicide, recognising signs, responding appropriately, and connecting at-risk individuals with help – are invaluable both at work and at home.
Essentially, SafeTALK is about creating a culture where the community is ready to help someone save their own life. Talking about suicide is never easy, but it is essential. At MtS, we are committed to breaking the silence. We know there is a high risk of suicide at sea, and it is of critical importance to have informed, confident crew members who can offer support. Isolation, poor connectivity, and limited support networks exacerbate feelings of loneliness among seafarers. Our long history of welfare provision is strengthened by SafeTALK, ensuring we continue to provide the best support possible. It is time to Talk, Ask, Listen, and Keep Safe in our communities, at sea and on land.
Training achievements and impact
I’m incredibly proud of the strides we’ve made with SafeTALK. In 2021, I became a LivingWorks SafeTALK trainer and in 2024 launched the maritime-specific course. During this period, we delivered over 20 workshops across the globe, training 325 people as Suicide Alert Helpers across 58 organisations. An overwhelming 99% of participants were willing to refer others to attend the course – a testament to its relevance and impact, and a remarkable achievement considering the sensitivity of the topic.
During the course, SafeTALK participants learn to notice and respond to suicidal thoughts, recognise often-overlooked invitations for help, move beyond the tendency to miss, dismiss, and avoid suicide, apply the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen, Keep-Safe), and connect at-risk individuals with appropriate help.
The workshops have helped participants feel well-prepared to talk directly and openly about thoughts of suicide. After every workshop, at least two participants personally requested follow-up sessions, either in SafeTALK or the two-day ASIST course, underscoring the deep need for such training.
In recognition of our achievements, SafeTALK was awarded the Safety4Sea Crew Welfare Award in 2023, but the real reward is seeing lives changed and saved. SafeTALK is now the world’s fastest-growing suicide prevention skills training course, with 120,000 people attending a course each year through LivingWorks.
Looking Ahead: Expanding our reach
At The Mission to Seafarers, our commitment to seafarers’ welfare is unwavering. In June 2024, we trained 10 new SafeTALK trainers in our Southeast Asian region. We can already see tangible results as 67 people received suicide prevention training in Hong Kong and Singapore that same month. The success of SafeTALK motivates us to reach even more people. In 2024, we are offering funded, free-to-attend SafeTALK courses in global locations including Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, and the UK, with plans to expand training into India, Japan, and beyond. Private courses are also available to ensure we meet the needs of all seafarers.
By integrating these new trainers and expanding our reach, we aim to ensure that more seafarers, their families and maritime professionals have the tools and confidence to address and prevent suicide, creating a supportive and safe environment for all. SafeTALK stands for suicide alertness for everyone, because we can only create suicide safe communities if we are all willing to be part of the conversation.
For more information, or to join one of our life-saving courses, please contact our training team at [email protected]
By Thomas O’Hare, Programme Manager, The Mission to Seafarers
