Sailors’ Society launches a faith-based addition to its acclaimed Peer-to-Peer Support Groups
As part of its 24/7 support for the world’s 1.9 million merchant seafarers and their families, Sailors’ Society has added a Christian network to its popular Peer-to-Peer Support Groups that provide a virtual community at sea for those who work in maritime.
The groups are being launched in time for the start of Lent.
Sailors’ Society CEO, Sara Baade, said: “We know that faith-based relationships and encouragement can help seafarers cope with stress, anxiety, and homesickness, promoting better mental health during long contracts.
“Our Christian Peer-to-Peer Support Groups provide a space for those at sea who feel they are lacking spiritual support, as well as those wishing to explore the Christian faith in an open environment.
“Members can find fellowship, explore and grow in faith and seek comfort and encouragement in times of difficulty. In these safe, confidential spaces, they can find a sense of belonging and community.”
The Christian Peer-to-Peer Support Groups also connect members to the charity’s trained chaplains, who can listen, advise, and help them navigate personal or moral challenges.
“Our groups bridge the gap between physical absence and spiritual presence; keeping faith alive in a place where being all at sea could easily erode it,” Sara added.
The Charity’s initiative is being welcomed by serving Christian seafarers.
Captain Ann Pletschke, a director at Trinity Maritime, said: “I am often the only Christian seafarer on board my ship. This can lead me to feel quite isolated, with nowhere to seek Christian encouragement or prayer. This group will really fill a gap for me in what can be an isolating time out at sea as a Christian sometimes.”
To find out more about these groups, go HERE
The Society already has more than 250 confidential WhatsApp groups with a membership of more than 3,500 seafarers.
The Christian groups join a portfolio that includes groups open to all seafarers regardless of gender and faith and specific groups for female seafarers, LGBTQ+ crew, families, captains, pilots and those caught up in conflict.
