Seafarers Link, a project facilitated by Community Network to combat the problem of isolation among retired seafarers, is the joint-winner of a prestigious charity award. Sponsored by BT, The Helpline Association’s (THA) 2010 Helpline Awards recognised the originality of Seafarers Link in its category for the most Innovative Use Of Technology To Deliver A Helpline Service.
Set up in 2009, Seafarers Link tackles the problem by linking up former seafarers (trawler men and sailors from the Royal and Merchant services) through telephone support and friendship groups using Community Network’s state-of-the-art telephone conferencing system.
The project is free to all retired seafarers who may be having difficulty adapting to life on shore and provides the opportunity to make new friends, engage in new activities and feel less isolated. Seafarers Link was established in response to research carried out by the Maritime Charities Funding Group. The research found that many men and women who have spent a lifetime at sea experience feelings of social exclusion and loneliness after retiring, which can lead to depression and other health problems.
Following the success of a pilot group in Hull, other groups have been set up on Merseyside and in Wales. And Community Network is currently working to set up new groups in Portsmouth and Plymouth aimed at former members of the Royal Marines, Royal Navy and WRNS.
Mr Douglas Johnson-Poensgen, Vice President of Strategy and Insight at BT Global Services, presented the award to Pat Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Community Network, during the award ceremony at the BT Tower in London.
Ms. Fitzsimons said: ”This award is a tribute to the hard work carried out by Community Network’s Social Inclusion Team. I would also like to thank the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme for their assistance in recruiting facilitators and participants to the project.”
For further information about Seafarers Link contact Community Network’s Social Inclusion Officer Sue Robinson on 01373 451 569.
