Organisation: Whitby Merchant Seamen's Hospital Houses
Charity Number: 508014
Telephone: 01947 603766 / 01947 893515
Address: Seamen's Hospital Houses, Church Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4AP.
Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire.
What this organisation does
Whitby Merchant Seamen's Hospital Houses is a historic maritime charity based in Whitby, North Yorkshire. Founded in 1675 as a hospital for seafarers, it now operates as an almshouse charity providing accommodation for retired seafaring families and beneficiaries who meet its eligibility criteria.
The charity's current purpose is to provide housing support and accommodation for seafaring families over the age of 60. It operates within North Yorkshire and is regulated through the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
This service may be relevant to retired seafarers, former merchant mariners, widows, and family members seeking affordable and secure accommodation in later life.
Who Can Use the Service
Applications may be considered from:
- Retired seafarers.
- Widows or dependants of seafarers.
- Individuals aged 60 or over.
- People with a connection to Whitby and the surrounding area.
- Those meeting the charity's housing and residency requirements.
The charity's stated charitable purpose is to provide accommodation for seafaring families over 60 years of age.
Because eligibility conditions may change, applicants should confirm current admission criteria directly with the charity before applying.
Support Available
The charity provides:
- Almshouse accommodation.
- Long-term housing for eligible retired seafarers and their families.
- Housing support within a historic maritime community setting.
- Accessible accommodation options, including at least one ground-floor adapted property reported as suitable for wheelchair users.
- A supportive residential environment for older maritime beneficiaries.
Features and Benefits
Users may benefit from:
- Secure accommodation specifically intended for members of the seafaring community.
- Support from a long-established maritime charity with origins dating back to 1675.
- Housing designed to help older beneficiaries remain independent.
- A community environment with links to Whitby's maritime heritage.
- Access to local services, shops, healthcare and community facilities in Whitby.
- Potentially affordable accommodation compared with private sector housing.
For retired seafarers and their families, this type of specialist housing can provide stability, independence and a continued connection to the maritime community.
How to Get Help
- Contact the charity using the telephone numbers listed above.
- Ask for information about current vacancies and eligibility requirements.
Be prepared to provide evidence of:
- Age.
- Maritime or seafaring connection.
- Residence history or local connection if required.
- Complete any application or assessment process requested by the trustees.
- Await confirmation regarding accommodation availability.
As accommodation is limited, availability may vary.
Before making an enquiry, it may be helpful to have:
- Proof of age.
- Evidence of maritime employment or service.
- Information about your current housing circumstances.
- Details of any spouse, widow or dependant status linked to a seafaring family member.
- Information regarding accessibility or mobility requirements if applicable.
Applicants should also ask:
- Whether vacancies are currently available.
- Whether there is a waiting list.
- What documentation is required.
- Whether a local connection to Whitby is necessary.
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