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Our development work with the Maritime Charities Funding Group [MCFG]
The Seamen’s Hospital Society is unique among maritime charities in its history of focusing on the health needs of seafarers, their families and dependants
The Seamen’s Hospital Society continues to make significant contributions to a better understanding of the rigours of serving at sea, the stresses this places on seafarers and their families and the importance of caring for members of the seafaring community both during and after active service.
The Society keeps up to date with and contributes to the latest research, and has a dedicated Health Development Manager who works on a range of programmes tailored to the wellbeing of seafarers of all ages. This includes leading a health development programme on behalf of the Maritime Charities Funding Group (MCFG).
About the MCFG
The MCFG is a coalition of 6 maritime charities working together to promote best practice and best use of resources among the maritime charities. As part of its remit the MCFG jointly funds research and projects of common benefit to the charities and the seafarers they serve. The MCFG members are:
- Merchant Navy Welfare Board
- Nautilus International/Nautilus Welfare Fund
- Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity
- Seafarers UK
- Seamen’s Hospital Society
- Trinity House
Supporting seafarers and their families: challenges for the future
In 2006 the MCFG commissioned an extensive research programme into the needs and aspirations of the seafaring community. Published in 2007, this study found considerable health and welfare needs amongst working and former seafarers and their families. Six priority areas of need were identified: poverty; isolation; information and advice; healthcare; emotional and parenting support; and housing for seafarers who are single.
Key recommendations included the provision of debt and money advice services; support for re-settlement after leaving the sea; and health promotion and the prevention of ill-health. The report led to the establishment of the health development programme.
 Click here to download the report
The MCFG Health Development Programme
The MCFG health development programme covers the following areas:
- Developing the provision of rehabilitation for seafarers of working age
The Society has funded physiotherapy treatment for fishermen at the Harbourside Clinic in Newlyn for a number of years. Funding from the MCFG has been used to explore how the provision of physiotherapy might be extended and a number of new schemes have now been launched.
- Mapping the healthcare needs and service provision for the seafaring community
This is a large project recently undertaken for the MCFG by the Institute of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh.
Click here to download the report
- A physical activity scheme at the Springbok Estate in Surrey
This was a six-month pilot scheme ending in October 2010. The initial evaluation showed encouraging improvements in heart health, strength and total body water levels. This has led to the Seamen’s Hospital Society partnering with Age UK in delivering the ‘Fit as a Fiddle’ (FAAF) programme within a number of seafarers’ residences, including Springbok. The FAAF programme is specifically aimed at getting older men physically active and is delivered free of charge to those taking part.
- Better Health for Older Seafarers
Established in November 2010, this project involves outreach work by a dedicated health professional to address health issues for seafarers on Merseyside.
Click here to download a leaflet
- Mini Manual for Fishermen
Being developed in collaboration with the Men's Health Forum, this is a guide on a range of health issues, specifically aimed at fishermen and with a humorous slant.
To find out more
To find out more about our development work with the MCFG, contact the Health Development Manager on 020 8858 3696 or email admin@seahospital.org.uk
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