Fishermen's Mission

THE FISHERMEN’S MISSION

PROVIDING A LIFELINE TO FISHERS ACROSS THE UK

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CHARITY FOCUS Inside Marine meets Lowestoft’s Fishermen’s Mission to find out about the incredible work they do.

Providing a lifeline

to fishers across the U The Fishermen’s Mission has provided aid and support to those out at sea for more than 140 years. With 19 centres dotted around the UK, the charity is eager to help. Inside Marine had the pleasure of visiting Fishermen’s Mission Lowestoft and speaking to Mission Area Officer Amanda Wisher, to find out what the charity is all about. Report by Imogen Ward. the only UK-based fishermen’s

AS

a fishing trip and realised that the fishermen

charity, the Fishermen’s

were living in squalor,” said Amanda.

Mission is determined to get

“He realised that this fishing fleet was like

help to those in need, although, this is not

a town, one without medicine or supplies,

always an easy feat.

so, he used the Mission ships to bring the

“One of the biggest challenges we have

fishers whatever they needed. Over time,

is reaching people and getting to know

the Fishermen’s Mission evolved to support

them,” Mission Area Officer Amanda Wisher

widows and children of men lost at sea.”

explained. “No one rings up to let us know

The Fishermen’s Mission has changed

their relative is a fisherman, there’s no

considerably since the maiden voyage of its

Facebook group joining the entire community

first vessel, Ensign, in 1882. From the estab-

together, so finding people can be difficult.

lishment of the first 24/7 mini-centre in 2008,

“Trying to encourage people to ask for

to the launch of its Outreach Programme

help is also a challenge, because seafarers

in 2012, the charity offers more resources

are very strong and proud individuals.

and support than ever before, thanks to its

But it’s my job to help them, and I try and

hardworking employees and the generous

encourage them to open up.”

donations of the public.

Where it all began

Helplines and support

Inspired to make a difference after

In an effort to provide as many avenues of

witnessing the harsh conditions that fish-

support as possible, the Fishermen’s Mission

ermen were working in, Ebenezer Mather

is dedicated to developing resources and

established the Fishermen’s Mission in 1881.

services that help those in need.

“Whilst serving on mission at Eyemouth in Scotland, Ebenezer was invited on

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“Back in the day, the Mission man would sometimes bring news of bereavement,”

UK www.fishermensmission.org.uk

Mission Officers Amanda Wisher (left) and Mark Kears (right) and Inside Marine’s Becky Scrivens (centre).

Amanda explained. “Now, the Fishermen’s

Hospital Society called SeaFit. The initiative

Mission provides a more comprehensive

was established to provide seafarers with

service, offering counselling and support for

easier access to healthcare, regularly

lots of different reasons. Poor mental health

bringing health checks and treatments

is prevalent within the country in general,

to the quayside.

but the fishing industry especially is under a lot of pressure.”

The organisation also offers access to a

“Fishermen can’t make doctor’s appointments or dentistry checks; they can’t commit to the dates because they don’t

helpline called Shout, which anyone can

know when they will be out at sea,” Amanda

text in to for support or a chat. The

explained. “It all depends on the weather

Mission is finding this service especially

and the tide, and you can’t plan for that.

popular with the younger generation.

We have helped to facilitate dental care,

Five years ago, the Fishermen’s Mission also set up a joint initiative with Seafarers

Covid vaccines, prostate checks and even physio.”

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CHARITY FOCUS Inside Marine meets Lowestoft’s Fishermen’s Mission to find out about the incredible work they do.

For those seeking help: The Fishermen’s Mission can be contacted for free on 0800 6341020 or at enquiries@fishermensmission.org.uk Alternatively, the nearest member of Port Staff can be located through the ‘Get Support’ section of the charity’s website. To utilise the 24/7 text helpline Shout, text ‘FISH’ to 85258.

As part of this collaboration, Seafarers

“We can also apply for funeral grants, and

Hospital Society has set up the Dreadnought

here in Lowestoft, we have the Lowestoft

Medical Service, which provides active and

Fishermen’s and Seafarers’ Benevolent

retired seafarers with NHS treatment.

Society, which helps fishermen and their

Based at St Thomas’ Hospital in London,

families during times of loss.”

this service also extends to the dependents of working seafarers.

“Medical aid is just one of many elements

The Fishermen’s Mission has also worked with SAIL (Seafarers’ Advice & Information Line) for many years. Since 1996, this organi-

we support fishers with,” said Amanda.

sation has been providing civic advice to

“We also help to conduct funerals, and

those that work out at sea. From advice on

sometimes provide input in memorial ser-

debt to support with accommodation, SAIL

vices as well. At the beginning of 2023, we

is there to help seafarers old and new and

helped install a plaque on our South Pier

has a complete understanding of the

dedicated to those that lost their lives on

lifestyle of a seafarer.

the Guava trawler in 1953.”

The organisation also provides financial support via grant applications. Working in collaboration with Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society and other charities, the Mission can obtain regular grants for people who have been at sea for years.

“Some fishers don’t have private pensions or savings, and there will be periods where some fishermen aren’t able to go out which will lead to a lack of money,” Amanda continued. “In those times, we can apply for grants for necessities like washing machines and new carpets.

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www.fishermensmission.org.uk How to support the Mission

According to Amanda, the other big plan

The Fishermen’s Mission is a pivotal

for 2024 is to reestablish face-to-face

part of so many people’s lives, and

contact within the community. Following

yet it relies entirely on donations

several years of Covid, when most contact

and fundraising. One way in which the

was performed over the phone, the organi-

charity raises funds is through its Albert

sation is keen to replant its roots and

fundraising pots which can be ‘adopted’

regrow its presence within the community.

by shops. The organisation is also reliant

“Fishermen’s Mission can really make

on fundraising events. Although it is not

a difference to people,” Amanda concluded.

always the first that comes to mind, the

“Sitting down and having a chat is lovely,

Fishermen’s Mission is working hard to

but helping someone find solutions in

change that.

a practical way is wonderful.

“We are less known on the list of chari-

“We have been around for over 140 years,

ties when it comes to fundraising,” said

and we work hard to support everyone in

Amanda. “That’s because not enough

the industry, ensuring their resilience and

people outside the fishing community

passion remains. They love their jobs, and

know who we are and what we do. We

they work hard to bring the harvest of the

are reliant on word of mouth and if

sea to the nation’s table.”

n

people don’t know of us, they are less likely to want to raise money for us.

“But we have some events of our own coming up which will help bring in funds and raise some joy. I am currently planning a fish and chip evening at our local church, St Andrews, which is a lovely church that a lot of the local fishing community attends. More broadly, there is also the Lobster Seafood Festival at Brancaster Staithe in North Norfolk next summer, and a lot of events going ahead around the UK.”

Dedication to Grandfather This article is dedicated to all the seafarers working tirelessly across the globe, those who can no longer work and those who are no longer with us. We would also like to honour Tony Seymour Scrivens, Grandfather to our Senior Research Editor Becky Scrivens and longstanding member of the fishing community who passed away in September.

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