Seafarers Hospital Society

The Seafarers Hospital Society, established in 1821 as one of the UK's oldest maritime charities (originally the Seamen's Hospital Society), pioneers health and welfare support for current and former seafarers, fishermen, and their dependants in need, regardless of nationality, who are UK-based or serve in UK waters. Rooted in its historic Dreadnought floating hospital on the Thames, the Society's mission emphasizes relieving sickness, misfortune, or age through medical, surgical, and financial aid, guided by values of compassion, respect, collaboration, and public benefit. It stands out for over two centuries of innovation, direct port-based services, NHS partnerships like the Dreadnought Unit at St Thomas’ Hospital, and leadership in addressing seafaring isolation and occupational health challenges.

It prioritizes health interventions such as hardship grants for illness, injury, disability, or distress; specialist NHS priority care; the Seafarers’ Advice and Information Line (SAIL) for welfare, debt, and housing; mobile health/dental checks via programmes like SeaFit; and support for maritime care homes, physiotherapy, mental health projects, and collaborators like the Fishermen’s Mission and The Seafarers’ Charity. Funding targets practical, measurable outcomes in physical/mental wellbeing and barrier removal, exclusively for seafaring-related needs.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities (small to large, no income limits) delivering maritime services UK-wide; individuals also qualify with proof of seafaring ties. Unsolicited applications are welcomed via email or post (PDF form for individuals), on a rolling basis with no deadlines. Typical grants vary—recently £228,000 to institutions in 2024, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands—covering project/health aids, respite, and advice, but not capital, core costs, or non-maritime causes. Its hyper-focused remit and partnership-driven impact set it apart from broader funders.