We understand the life behind fishing and what it means to be a fisherman

We support active and former fishermen, sea-going staff working the in the UK aquaculture industry, and migrant fishermen working on UK vessels. Our team provide a 24-hour emergency response to any fishing vessel working in UK waters, assisting with injury, or loss at sea.

A man wearing a Fishermen’s Mission high-visibility vest stands next to a van, watching another man in blue workwear sorting fish into large plastic crates. The van’s back doors are open, revealing more crates and equipment inside. The scene is set on a wet harbour surface with fishing boats and a hilly coastline in the background.

OUR HISTORY

140 years of being a part of the lives of our fishermen and their families. The uncertainty, the dangers and the hardships

Formed after seeing the Black Friday tragedy in Eyemouth in 1881, providing support during two world wars and the triple trawler tragedies of 1968, our history spans a lifetime of supporting fishermen throughout their lives.

OUR HISTORY 

1881

A black-and-white portrait of Ebeneezer Mather with a long white beard, wearing a light-coloured suit and shirt. The image is framed with a soft vignette effect. Below the portrait is a handwritten signature reading "Ever yours, E.J. Mather" and the caption: "Founder of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen."

1881
October
Black Friday at Eyemouth 

189 fishermen died close to the shore, watched by their wives, children and a devoted Christian from the Thames Church Mission, called Ebenezer Mather.

A black-and-white historical photograph of six fishermen wearing uniform-style jackets and peaked caps. Four men stand at the back, while two men sit at the front, one wearing a cloak and hat. The group is posed outdoors in front of a brick building and wooden structure.

1881 
November

Ebenezer Mather decides to set up the National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, to provide a ministry to fishermen and help improve their health. It had the motto ‘Preach the Word; Heal the Sick’.

Our History

MEET THE TEAM

We have a hard-working team who bring their expertise and compassion into helping our fishermen and their families 

Chief Executive Marc, Standing in front of a Blue, red and white fishermen's mission flag

Marc Evans

Chief Executive

Business Director Ali, Standing in front of a green wall wearing a suit

Ali Godfrey

Director of Business Development & Deputy Chief Executive

Dean Lawrence wearing a Fishermen’s Mission navy polo shirt and name badge sits at a table indoors. He is smiling and looking towards the camera. The room has soft lighting, with a striped upholstered bench and a window in the background.

Dean Lawrence

Corporate Partnerships Manager

Mary Barber wearing glasses and a floral sleeveless blouse sits at a table indoors, smiling towards the camera. The room has soft lighting, with a striped upholstered bench and a window in the background.

Mary Barber

Operations Manager

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

Our roots are firmly based in our Christian faith

All our work is based in the roots of our Christian faith, accepting all without judgement. We take the compassion of Christ to our fishing communities, purposefully reaching out to fishermen and their families, providing practical and emotional support with every step and milestone.

Christian heritage

Three women stand on a village street during a formal event. One woman wears a dark suit, another wears a black coat and hat, and the third wears white clerical robes. Traditional stone cottages are visible in the background under a clear, sunny sky.

OUR PARTNERS

Our friends and partners are a vital part of our family

Our friends and supporters are part of our family.  We don’t receive government or lottery funding – we rely on their vital support to be able to continue with our work.

OUR PARTNERS 

Rick Stein wearing a navy blue button-up shirt stands outdoors, smiling towards the camera. Behind him are sand dunes and a coastal landscape under a cloudy sky.

Rick Stein and The Stein Restaurant Family

Rick, Jill and the family have been friends to us for many years now. From fundraising in the restaurants to supporting our social media campaigns, we have been so grateful for their help. We are very proud that Rick is also a Vice Patron.

Photo © JamesMurphy

 

Rick Stein

Nathan wearing a white chef's jacket with his name embroidered on it smiles towards the camera. He is standing in front of a weathered blue wooden door.

Nathan Outlaw

Nathan’s philosophy has always been to source great ingredients, so he has gone out to sea and understands the life of a fisherman. When there are incidents, huge storms or challenging times, Nathan wants to know what we are doing to support fishing families. His supportive family and wonderful team have told our story to thousands of their customers, and they have responded with generous donations. We are immensely proud to have Nathan as a Vice Patron.

 

Outlaws

English's of Brighton - Restaurant and Oyster Bar logo

English’s of Brighton

Blending modern and traditional seafood dishes in the heart of historic Brighton, English’s have supported us for over seven years by adding a 50p donation to their Sussex Ale Battered Fish & Chips, raising over £14,000 for the charity.

English’s of Brighton 

Two men stand side by side in front of a brick wall with a painted logo. One man is wearing a light denim shirt with folded arms, and the other is dressed in a green tweed jacket and white trousers. A potted plant is visible on the right, the Seafood and Eat It logo is on the wall behind them.

Seafood and Eat It

A family-run business that has supported us for a number of years by donating much appreciated food hampers for our clients at Christmas.

Seafood and eat it

REVIEWS REPORTS

Our reports and accounts share information about our work, strategy and finances

We know that you will want to learn more about us if you are interested in supporting or joining our team. Here you can find all the information that you will need.

reviews reports

An orange fishing boat with the registration number "FR 181" sails into a harbour, leaving a wake behind. Other fishing boats are docked along the pier in the background, with a clear blue sky overhead.

VACANCIES

We are on a journey and we would like you to join us

Our commitment to our values is unwavering. Diverse and inclusive teams help us to serve our communities better. We want to grow a team that includes people with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views. Whatever makes you unique is welcome.

Vacancies

In need of a lifeline

You do not have to cope with struggles alone.

The Fishermen’s Mission offer a dedicated lifeline to fishermen and their families. If you need us, call us.

Lifeline

Join our mission

Join our family of donors, volunteers and staff.

Become part of the only charity that supports fishermen and their families. We don’t have any government or lottery funding. We need you, so give us a call, drop us a line or use social media for a chat.

Donate Join