Sailors' Children'S Society

Sailors’ Children’s Society was originally formed in 1821 and is a national charity that provides support to children whose parent has made a living at sea or on the inland canals and rivers. We help mariners from fishing fleets, Merchant Navy and Royal Navy families including ferries, tankers, cruise ships and cargo boats. Our aim is to let each child of a seafarer achieve their full potential and not be disadvantaged by family circumstances. Families come to us usually after a changeable event such as loss, bereavement, diagnosis of a terminal illness or abandonment leaving a lone parent to bring up a child. In some cases, we also provide support to two parent families including grandparents who have served on the water and are bringing up their grandchildren. We currently help over 450 children and young people throughout the United Kingdom on our child support scheme. Our support scheme covers child welfare grants, clothing grants, special grants, Christmas grant and more. We also offer each of our families the opportunity to have a week away at one of the nine caravans owned by the Society which are all based at Haven Holiday Centres. We include activity passes and travel grants to ensure each child can take part in holiday activities. Over 230 children get the benefit of a holiday each year. Each year, the staff at the Society apply to many attractions and theatres on behalf of our families for free passes. Over 150 children visit zoos, ten pin bowling, cinema and pantomimes each year. We are proud to have a thriving Facebook community where families can leave messages for each other and we also have an online confidential chat facility with links to many other specialist support organisations. Where appropriate, we also provide emotional and practical support either over the telephone or face to face in a family home.