QVSR (Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest)

QVSR (Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest)



Contact details:
  • Website: https://www.qvsr.org.uk/ 
  • Contact page: https://www.qvsr.org.uk/contact-us/ 
  • Address: QVSR House, Poplar, East London 

What this organisation does

QVSR (Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest) is a long-established charity that supports seafarers, veterans and people experiencing housing difficulties. Founded in 1843, the organisation works on the principle of putting people first, offering practical support, accommodation and community connections to help people live with dignity, security and hope. 
For seafarers, QVSR provides accommodation, welfare support and access to maritime grant assistance. The charity also works with other maritime welfare organisations to support seafarers visiting UK ports and those facing financial or personal difficulties. 

Who can use the service

The service may be relevant to:
  • Active seafarers visiting London for work, training, leisure or while transferring between vessels.
  • Retired seafarers who require accommodation or welfare support. 
  • Dependants and family members of seafarers who may be eligible for maritime welfare assistance. 
  • Veterans requiring accommodation and support. 
  • Other individuals experiencing housing difficulties or homelessness where they meet the charity’s objectives and eligibility criteria.
Eligibility can vary depending on the type of support requested. Applicants should contact QVSR directly to discuss their circumstances.

Support available

Seafarer accommodation

QVSR provides accommodation at QVSR House in East London. Accommodation is available for retired seafarers and, subject to availability, may also be available to active seafarers who are:
  • Transferring between ships.
  • Attending work-related appointments.
  • Visiting London for work or personal reasons. 

Welfare and community support

QVSR aims to provide:
  • Safe and stable accommodation.
  • A supportive community environment.
  • Assistance with maintaining independence.
  • Access to ongoing support after moving into independent accommodation where appropriate. 

Maritime grant assistance

QVSR acts as an agent for the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, helping resident and non-resident seafarers and their dependants access individual maritime grants and financial assistance where eligible. 

Port and seafarer welfare

The organisation works alongside maritime welfare partners and mission societies to support the welfare of seafarers, recognising the pressures created by modern shipping, limited port time and isolation from home. 

Features and benefits

QVSR may help seafarers and their families by providing:
  • Access to safe accommodation in London. 
  • Support during periods of transition between ships or employment. 
  • Connections to maritime grants and financial assistance.
  • A supportive community that understands maritime life and its challenges. 
  • Assistance designed to promote independence and long-term stability. 
  • Support for both current and former seafarers, as well as eligible dependants. 

How to get help

  1. Visit the QVSR website: https://www.qvsr.org.uk/ 
  2. Review the accommodation and welfare information available on the site. 
  3. Contact QVSR directly through their contact page to discuss your situation and support needs. 
  4. If you are seeking financial assistance, ask whether you may be eligible for support through maritime grant programmes administered with the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society. 
  5. Be prepared to explain your maritime background, accommodation needs and current circumstances. (Recommended good practice; eligibility requirements should be confirmed directly with QVSR.)

Things to check before contacting them

Before making an enquiry, it may be useful to have:
  • Details of your seafaring employment or maritime background.
  • Information about your current accommodation situation.
  • Details of any financial difficulties or welfare concerns.
  • Evidence of eligibility if applying for a maritime grant or accommodation placement.
Specific documentary requirements should be confirmed directly with QVSR before submitting an application. 
  • QVSR Homepage: https://www.qvsr.org.uk/ 
  • Contact QVSR: https://www.qvsr.org.uk/contact-us/ 
  • About QVSR: https://www.qvsr.org.uk/