The ITF Seafarers’ Trust is using Day of the Seafarer this year to highlight the mental wellbeing support available to seafarers.
This initiative, in collaboration with the ITF, is in response to the serious impact the Covid-19 pandemic is having on the mental health of seafarers, thousands of whom have been left stranded across the globe as a result of national lockdowns.
The Trust and the ITF will be reaching out directly to seafarers through social media to signpost a number of support services available in response to the crisis. With pressure to extend contracts and uncertainties about what the future holds, it is important that seafarers know there is help available for those dark moments.
Chair of the Trust and ITF Seafarers’ section Chair Dave Heindel said: “This situation is totally unprecedented but what it’s highlighted yet again are the unique challenges that seafarers face. As the world emerges from lockdown the role that seafarers play must be better appreciated and they have to know where they can turn for support when they’re under that kind of pressure. Seafarers are key workers and their unions are really stepping up during this emergency.”
President of the ITF Paddy Crumlin said: “Seafarers are on the frontline of this pandemic. They’ve faced isolation, months and months away from the people they love, the stress of being left in limbo by governments not willing to let them get back home – those things take their toll. Our aim is that every seafarer, no matter where they are in the world, knows how they can access help at this really tough time, they know someone has their back and the practical support that’s on offer.”
The communication to seafarers is based around three vital steps to accessing appropriate services; reflect, recognise and reach out. Today’s circumstances are creating real stress, anxiety and depression. This is a normal reaction in abnormal times. Don’t suffer alone, its ok to seek help.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Mary Bollan, Communications Manager, email: mary@seafarerstrust.org Tel: +44 (0)7786 516131
Note to editors
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Day of the Seafarer is celebrated each year on 25 June to highlight the contribution seafarers make to the international community and issues relating to them. This year, the IMO’s campaign is “Seafarers are Key Workers” highlighting their essential role on the frontline of the pandemic. More information can be found on the IMO’s dedicated Day of the Seafarer 2020 page: http://www.imo.org/en/About/Events/dayoftheseafarer/Pages/Day-of-the-Seafarer-2020.aspx
The ITF Seafarers Trust is a UK charity established in 1981, funds programmes that advance the wellbeing of maritime workers, seafarers and their families. We are funded by the Trust’s own capital funds, and by the investment income of the Welfare Fund at the International Transport Workers Federation, a global federation of transport workers’ unions with almost 20 million worker members.
More information visit:
Facebook @ITFtrust
Twitter @Seafarers_Trust