Charity Focus
The Mission to Seafarers is a missionary society of the Anglican Church, which cares for the spiritual and practical welfare of all seafarers regardless of nationality or faith.
It was founded in 1856 but had its beginnings in 1835, when John Ashley, an Anglican priest, was so moved by the isolation and need of those he visited on board ships in port that he gave up a secure living to devote his life to serving them. Click on the button below to learn about its history >>
Since then, ships and ports may have changed considerably but despite all the innovations and developments, life at sea can still be beset by dangers and difficulties.
Seafarers still lose their lives in shipping casualties, piracy is a major problem in some parts of the world and chaplains continue to report cases of non-payment of wages, stranded and abandoned crews and problems relating to safety and living conditions.
This is in addition to the traditional difficulties that seafarers have always faced such as long periods away from their homes and families, and isolation from amenities ashore that the rest of us can take for granted.
The Mission meets these needs with a network of chaplains, staff and volunteers in 300 ports worldwide, where they reach out to them by visiting them on their ships, offering a welcome and whatever help may be needed.
In 100 of these ports, they also run centres where seafarers can relax away from their ships, get local information, find help with problems, share worship and telephone or email home.
Our lives depend on seafarers who provide the transport for our trade and much of the food and goods we enjoy.
On Sea Sunday, 10 July, we have an opportunity to reflect on the contribution they make to our lives and to remember them and their needs. Click to find out more >>
If you would like to learn more and how to support them in prayer, with donations or by getting involved, visit the web site of the Mission to Seafarers >>
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The logo/images on this page is reproduced by kind permission of the charity.
- St Mary’s Parish Office
- Osterley Rd
- Isleworth
- Middlesex
- TW7 4PW
020 8569 7312 (Parish Office)