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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