Fishermen’s Mission

Fishermen’s Mission




Contact Details

Website: Fishermen’s Mission
Get Support: Request Support 
Contact Us: Contact Fishermen’s Mission
Registered Office: Mather House
4400 Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Hampshire
PO15 7FJ

Charity Registration: The Fishermen’s Mission (Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen) is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 232822) and Scotland (No. SC039088). 

What this organisation does

Fishermen’s Mission is the UK’s only national charity dedicated to supporting fishermen and their families. The organisation works alongside fishing communities across the UK, helping active and retired fishermen, their families and others connected to the fishing industry when they are facing difficult circumstances. 
The charity provides practical, emotional and financial support, promotes health and wellbeing, and helps people access specialist services and partner organisations when needed. It offers support both in emergencies and through longer-term welfare assistance.

Who can use the service

Support is available to:
  • Active commercial fishermen in the UK.
  • Former commercial fishermen in the UK.
  • Dependants of active or former commercial fishermen.
  • Active migrant crews working on UK-registered fishing vessels.
  • UK-based active and former seafaring employees working on the operational ("wet side") side of the UK aquaculture industry.
  • UK-based non-dependant family members who have been bereaved following the death of a fisherman. 
Eligibility may vary depending on the type of support requested. Individuals should contact the charity directly to discuss their circumstances. 

Support Available

Fishermen’s Mission provides a range of welfare and support services, including:

Emergency Support

  • Immediate assistance for accidents and injuries.
  • Emergency welfare support for fishermen in crisis situations.
  • Access to assistance whenever urgent help is required. 

Financial Support

  • Emergency financial assistance where appropriate.
  • Help for individuals and families affected by irregular fishing income.
  • Access to support through partner charities and funding networks. 

Family Support

  • Assistance for spouses, partners and children.
  • Support during illness, injury, bereavement and other difficult life events.
  • Practical guidance and welfare assistance for fishing families. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • Trained staff who provide confidential, non-judgemental support.
  • Mental Health First Aid support.
  • Guidance and signposting for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. 

Health Promotion

SeaFit®

SeaFit is delivered in partnership with Seafarers Hospital Society and brings healthcare services directly to fishing communities, helping fishermen and their families access health checks and advice close to where they work. 

C-Aware

A partnership initiative focused on cancer awareness and health promotion within fishing communities. 

Sea Safety

  • Promotion of safer working practices.
  • Support for initiatives that encourage safety at sea.
  • Awareness activities aimed at reducing risk within the fishing industry. 

Features and Benefits

Fishermen’s Mission can help people to:
  • Access practical support during emergencies.
  • Obtain welfare advice from specialists who understand the fishing industry.
  • Receive emotional support during difficult periods.
  • Access financial help and funding pathways.
  • Improve physical health through targeted health initiatives.
  • Access mental health support and guidance.
  • Receive support following bereavement.
  • Connect with local support staff familiar with fishing communities.
  • Access assistance throughout a fishing career and into retirement. 
A key benefit of the service is that support is tailored specifically to the realities of fishing life, including the unique financial, health and welfare challenges faced by fishing communities. 

How to Get Help

  1. Visit the Fishermen’s Mission support page.
  2. Enter your postcode to locate your nearest support contact.
  3. Contact your local Port Staff member for advice and guidance.
  4. Explain your circumstances and the type of support needed.
  5. A trained member of staff will discuss available assistance and appropriate next steps. 
The charity states that all Port Staff are trained listeners who can provide support without judgement. 

Things to Check Before Contacting Them

Before making contact, it may be helpful to:
  • Have details of your connection to the fishing industry.
  • Prepare information about your current situation and support requirements.
  • Gather any relevant financial, employment, health or welfare information if seeking specific assistance.
  • Check whether you meet the eligibility criteria outlined on the support page. 
Please note that the website advises allowing up to five days for a response to support requests submitted online.