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A Christmas Message from the Fishermen’s Mission

As Christmas Day rapidly approaches, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who works tirelessly around the coast and the ports to support the people in our most precious fishing communities. Our Fishermen’s Mission staff may be spending some time with their families and friends, but their thoughts will never be very far away from the fishermen and their families they know so well and care for – we all hope you too can enjoy the festive period with your families and friends, wherever you are. Our thoughts will also be with those who will be away from home, be that in hospital or at sea and especially we’ll be thinking of those who will be thousands of miles from home.

For most this will be a wonderfully festive and fun time, but we are aware that for others Christmas can be a really difficult time for so many differing reasons. The Fishermens’ Mission is on hand to advise, support and help wherever we can. Our staff are trained listeners and Mental Health First Aiders – you can turn to them in confidence for help and support.

Out of normal office hours, you can still find support from a number of organisations:
• For general health-related issues you can call NHS Direct on 111, or in an emergency using 999.

• For emotional and crisis support we are partnered with Mental Health Innovations to provide SHOUT 24/7, a free confidential support service (although some mobile networks may charge for texts). If you are feeling anxious, stressed or depressed then you can simply text 85258 at any time of day or night.

• Similarly, the Samaritans are available on 116 123 (24-hour Freephone) or via www.samaritans.org

• For alcohol related issues, you can call Drinkline on 0300 123 11100 (Freephone 9am–8pm Mon-Fri; 11am–4pm Sat-Sun) or Drinkline Scotland on 0800 7314 314 (Freephone 9am–9pm Mon-Fri; 10am–4pm Sat-Sun) or see helpline links on the Drinkaware website www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-services/support-lines

• For drug-related issues you can call the Know the Score Drugs Helpline on 0800 587 5879 (lines are open 9am–9pm Mon-Fri; 10am–4pm Sat-Sun) or via the website www.knowthescore.info or call the Addiction Helpline on 0808 1693 9632 (24-hour Freephone) www.addaction.org.uk

• For issues regarding loneliness you can call The Silver Line run by Age UK on 0800 4 70 80 90 (24-hour Freephone for older people – aged 55 or over) www.thesilverline.org.uk

2023 has been another busy year at the Fishermen’s Mission but we can’t do what we do without the support of our wonderful donors and supporters; I thank you all.

It seems funny to think that in just one week we’ll be looking back on Christmas 2023 and commenting on how the days are now starting to get a little longer. Before we know it, it will be 2024.

So here’s to you all, please have a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year / Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.