Welfare charity launches multimillion-pound grant scheme for maritime sector

The Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), which supports and promotes co-operation between organisations that provide welfare services to seafarers, fishermen and their dependents, has launched a new multimillion-pound grant scheme to help the maritime sector.

More than £2m is available for maritime charities and organisations looking to run projects in the following areas:

Career, skills and diversity:
Plugging skill gaps, broadening the pool of talent and providing equal opportunities for seafarers, and fostering creativity.

People:
Research and support for programmes to alleviate seafarer mental health and wellbeing issues.

“There’s no escaping how recent crises, including the pandemic, war on Ukraine and P&O Ferries’ situation, have taken their toll on seafarers across the world,” says Stuart Rivers, chief executive officer of the MNWB. “To be frank, they’ve endured an insufferable time. Welfare charities working on the front line have also been under pressure to respond to these crises.

“But, as we start to rebuild, this new fund offers an opportunity for maritime charities far and wide to relish and will help support the recovery of the maritime sector. Unrealised plans to kickstart a project that improves the mental health or wellbeing of seafarers or those looking to bridge the gender gap, can now become a reality.

“We want to hear your ideas and plans so we strongly urge you to come forward and start applying. Ultimately, over time, we want to see a range of projects that will transform the sector for the greater good.”

Funding enquiries can be sent by email to MNWB.

MIN recently reported that MNWB and The Seafarers’ Charity have joined forces to launch The Safety Net for all UK merchant seafarers. The new Safety Net website is full of free money management tools and resources specifically to help UK merchant seafarers to manage their money during the current cost of living crisis and in the future.