To mark World Mental Health Day today, The London P&I Club has funded one full day of Stella Maris’ UK operations, supporting the charity’s work in providing practical, spiritual and emotional support to thousands of seafarers every year who are struggling with stress, loneliness, exhaustion, bullying or exploitation.
The Club’s contribution covers the costs of the charity’s ship visits, welfare support and pastoral care for a 24-hour period, ensuring thousands of seafarers receive direct, personal support from Stella Maris chaplains and volunteers.
Sustaining the human link in seafarer welfare
Seafarers often work under difficult conditions, with long periods away from family and limited access to shore leave or communication. These pressures, combined with demanding operational schedules, can have a significant impact on wellbeing and leave crew members struggling in silence.
Stella Maris, which operates in more than 350 ports across 57 countries, provides a vital human connection – visiting ships to check on crews, offering a listening ear, and providing practical help such as transport, access to communication, or support in cases of abandonment or unpaid wages. Stella Maris’ network of more than 1000 volunteers and chaplains conduct more than 70,000 ship visits per year.
Industry partnership for wellbeing and safety
This year’s United Nations (UN) World Mental Health Day theme,“Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,”is particularly relevant to the experiences of seafarers. Life at sea can bring long periods of isolation, high-pressure situations, and limited access to support – challenges that are magnified during times of crisis.For The London P&I Club, the partnership with Stella Maris reflects a broader recognition that mental wellbeing and safety are inseparable.
James Bean, Chief Executive of The London P&I Club, said of the initiative:
“Supporting Stella Maris on World Mental Health Day reinforces our shared belief that crew wellbeing is fundamental to safe and effective operations. Seafarers face unique pressures, and it’s vital they know there is someone to turn to both at sea and in port. Stella Maris plays an important role in providing trusted, on-the-ground support that complements the work of shipowners, managers and insurers. Funding a day of their work is a meaningful way to recognise the importance of seafarer welfare on World Mental Health Day.”
Tim Hill, CEO of Stella Maris, said:
“Seafarers’ mental health affects every aspect of maritime life – safety, relationships, and performance. Our chaplains are often the first people a seafarer will turn to when they’re struggling. The London P&I Club’s support ensures that, on World Mental Health Day, every visit and every conversation that takes place around the world is made possible. That continuity of presence is what keeps many seafarers going.”
