Health on the harbour

Home Health on the harbour

Fishermen's Mission

From dental to mental care, SeaFit is transforming fishermen’s wellbeing one quay at a time

“We struggle to access NHS services with being out at sea.”

That’s John White, a fisherman we spoke to in Bridlington Harbour during a recent SeaFit event. Life as a commercial fisherman is both mentally and physically demanding. Fishermen need to be on top of their game to stay safe on board.

In partnership with the Seafarers Hospital Society, we give fishermen a helping hand through award-winning SeaFit events. By taking health services directly to the quayside, SeaFit starts early, often catching fishermen before they head to sea or just after they return. With trusted faces from our charity on-site, it’s a space where banter and health checks go hand in hand.

SeaFit delivers health checks, physio, dentistry, mental health support, and (as of recently) hearing assessments. All of this is on-site and free of charge for fishermen and their families.

SeaFit in action

“Every event is different,” says Carol Elliott, our SeaFit manager. “We can trial new services to see how they impact the fishing community. Recently, we’ve started working with the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (better known as ‘RNID’), who are conducting hearing checks. Fishermen have a higher than national average rate of hearing loss, which isn’t surprising given the working conditions at sea.”

SeaFit’s great year (2024 to 2025)

2,140 Engagements with healthy lifestyle advisors

245 Health checks

165 Health checks at quayside events

76 Dental checks

234 Mental health counselling sessions

474 Physio sessions

57 events in 18 ports

One of the most valuable features of many SeaFit events is that we can bring in dental care from partners like Dentaid.

“I had been struggling with a toothache for some time,” says Charlotte, a fisherman from Bridlington. “It is a much-needed service, judging by the number of people who turned up. Thank you for the service I received. I am now pain-free.”

A woman sits on a bench, smiling. She is holding a poster that says 'Dentaid The Dental Charity: Welcome to our mobile dental unit'

A complete service

SeaFit’s strength is in how it’s an all-around service, as Carol explains:

“Fishermen can get a full M.O.T., taking in NHS health checks and screening, quayside dentistry, and physiotherapy as well as picking up healthy living and wellbeing tips and advice.”

Fishermen like John have certainly taken full advantage, reflecting how much of a difference the events have made.

“Since SeaFit has been coming to Bridlington harbour, I have accessed dental, NHS health checks, physio, and mental health support.”

A man in a high-vis yellow jacket tends to some lobster pots.

Continuing the SeaFit journey

For many fishermen, SeaFit is the first time in years that they have spoken to a healthcare professional.

“Generally, fishermen find it hard to ask for help,” says Carol. “Even though they may appear to be tough and resilient, they often suffer through carrying on fishing despite illness and injury. Seeing them finally getting assessment and treatment for long-term health concerns is very moving.”

Bringing these vital services together at the quayside takes planning, partnership, and funding.

Your support makes SeaFit possible. Please donate today so we can continue to deliver health, hope, and practical care to the heart of our fishing communities.

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