In recognition of World Mental Health Day, the London P&I Club has made a significant contribution by funding a full day of Stella Maris’ operations in the UK. This gesture supports the charity’s mission to offer practical, spiritual, and emotional aid to thousands of seafarers annually, addressing issues such as stress, isolation, fatigue, bullying, or exploitation.
Seafarer Welfare
The financial support from the London P&I Club will cover the costs associated with Stella Maris’ vital ship visits, welfare assistance, and pastoral care for a 24-hour period. This ensures that numerous seafarers receive personalised support from the organisation’s chaplains and volunteers during this time.
Stella Maris is an essential provider of human connection, offering a listening ear and practical support, including transportation and communication access. Operating across more than 350 ports in 57 countries, Stella Maris relies on a network of over 1,000 volunteers and chaplains who conduct upwards of 70,000 ship visits annually.
Wellbeing and Safety
This year, the United Nations’ World Mental Health Day highlights the theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” which resonates strongly with seafarers’ experiences.
The unique conditions at sea can lead to prolonged isolation and high-stress environments, especially during crises. This partnership with Stella Maris underscores the London P&I Club’s acknowledgment of the connection between mental wellbeing and safety.
Supporting Stella Maris
James Bean, Chief Executive of the London P&I Club, commented on this initiative, stating, “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.” He highlighted the importance of the charity’s on-the-ground support in complementing the efforts of shipowners, managers, and insurers.
Tim Hill, CEO of Stella Maris, also remarked, “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.”
To mark World Mental Health Day, 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.
Seafarer welfare
Stella Maris’ network of more than 1000 volunteers and chaplains conduct more than 70,000 ship visits per year
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.
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 well-being and safety are inseparable.
Supporting Stella Maris
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.”
He adds, “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.”
