The Mission to Seafarers has launched its new Flying Angel Campaign 2023 with the goal of raising US$700,000 (£600,000) to respond to the changing needs of seafarers’ welfare. The funds generated will enable the Mission to not only maintain its vital lifeline to seafarers and their families but also, to expand into new services in response to the evolving global needs.
Proceeds from the Flying Angel Campaign 2023 will be used to address the following areas of needs:
Ship Visiting Fund –– For the development of ship visiting programmes in new and existing locations to reach more seafarers and enhance the mental health first aid training of frontline staff, including that of suicide awareness.
Seafarers Centres Fund –– For the modernisation of Seafarers Centres to ensure a wider service can be offered. As Mission develops and implements its own ESG principles, centre modernisation will involve sustainable and environmental solutions, the enhancement of green spaces, and the maximisation of renewable energy usage.
Seafarers Awareness Fund –– To ensure all seafarers know where and how they can access help and support, especially in relation to mental health and suicide awareness, via targeted marketing campaigns and the dissemination of information through organisations, associations, companies, and conferences.
Justice & Welfare Fund –– Advocating for seafarers in urgent need of practical, emotional, or financial assistance, or representation – particularly those who are abandoned. Mission’s Justice & Welfare services are a vital tool for seafarers in obtaining outstanding wages, repatriation, food and water, as well as assistance for families surviving without income.
General Fund –– To be spent where most needed in support of Mission’s global operations, including areas to further diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Seafarers and their families face unprecedented tribulation because of ongoing stressors caused by global events, necessitating the allocation of unrestricted resources in unforeseen areas of need.
There are a range of benefits in recognition of donors’ sponsorship which include media announcements, impact reports and exclusive updates with key Mission personnel, as well as providing support for donor’s own corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and goals.
“We were extremely grateful to the industry donors who stepped up during the pandemic to assist our emergency work through our two previous campaigns,” Jan Webber, Director of Development, The Mission to Seafarers, commented. “We appeal to industry once again to help us with whatever size donation they can manage. Seafarers’ welfare needs are continuing to evolve. Without the Mission, many seafarers would suffer more mental health and emotional issues, so we believe we are contributing to the safety of seafaring globally, but we need the funds to do this.
“The range of funds available will ensure we reach seafarers in ports and centres, but also raise awareness as new generations of seafarers join the 1.7m workforce, so they too can access our services more immediately. If we can provide the mental health support to just a few seafarers, and this helps save lives then we will have achieved our goal. We are deeply grateful to those who donate to the Mission. Please join them in helping shipping’s greatest asset – its seafarers.”
Together with colleagues across the maritime industry, the deepening of partnerships and an emphasis on collective action has been one of the great benefits to come out of the pandemic years, as shown by the success of the Mission’s previous fundraising campaigns.
The 2023 Flying Angel Campaign follows on from the Mission’s Flying Angel Campaign 2020 and Sustaining Crew Welfare 2021, which raised a combined total of £1.2m. These campaigns were launched in response to seafarers’ immediate needs during the pandemic and ongoing challenges caused by the crisis.
The impact of funds generated saw enhanced access to digital welfare solutions, PPE provisions, Family Support Services, and improved connectivity between seafarers and their families. Funding also contributed towards innovation and regional support with investment into Mission’s new comprehensive Happy at Sea App which aims to reach thousands of seafarers.
Undergoing its first stage of development as a Key Welfare Hub, the Mission’s Rotterdam operation includes the appointment of a second Chaplain to cover the huge need in this vast port. Remaining funds supported Mission’s global operations, ensuring security of service for seafarers severely impacted by the pandemic, as well as those affected by the war in Ukraine.
Donations to the campaign can be made here.
