Help the Fishermen’s Mission provide practical, emotional and Christian care to Shetland’s fishing community when it matters most.
It has been a difficult year for fishermen and their families in Shetland. Poor weather, rising fuel costs, and fishing quota reductions all put pressure on working fishermen. The community has also experienced profound sadness and loss. Many of our families are grieving the deaths of loved ones.
We have been alongside the Shetland fishing community for 120 years. With your donation, we can continue to stand alongside active and former fishermen, their families, and those who have lost someone they love.
Standing alongside families
When someone dies, our entire close-knit fishing community feel the effects. Families need people who will listen, offer comfort and stand alongside them through the difficult days that follow.
This year, our Shetland Area Manager, Aubrey, has conducted more than 60 funeral services. He has travelled from Uyeasound to Virkie, and many places in between.
Through funeral services, calls and visits, Aubrey has supported families in their grief. He has continued to keep in touch afterwards.
It is a privilege to stand alongside people at such a difficult time and help bring some comfort and calm to their lives.
Aubrey, Area Manager, Shetland
We also came together for National Fishing Remembrance Day in May to remember those who have died. We allowed families and the wider community to reflect. Although the weather forced our service indoors to Lerwick Baptist Church, the community still gathered to remember those no longer with us.
Practical help when fishermen need it most
Life at sea can be dangerous, and fishermen sometimes need urgent assistance when illness or an accident brings them ashore in Lerwick.
We can help arrange medical or dental appointments, visit fishermen in hospital, and provide essentials. When they are ready to leave hospital, we can help with accommodation, transport, or travel home.
Our emergency response service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We also maintain regular contact with active fishermen at local harbours, visit retired fishermen and their families, and keep in touch with widows and people living in care homes.
This work is about more than practical assistance. It is about being there, listening without judgement and offering care and compassion.
Help us continue our work in Shetland
For 120 years, the Fishermen’s Mission has been part of Shetland’s fishing community. Your donation can help us continue providing practical help, emotional support and Christian care to fishermen and their families through bereavement, illness, accidents, and other difficult times.
Please consider giving to our Shetland Appeal today. Together, we can continue standing alongside the people and families who are at the heart of our fishing communities.
With thanks to our friends for their support with our appeal:
Enquest/Sullom Voe Terminal, Malakoff Ltd, DFDS Shetland, SSEN Transmission, Bolts Car Hire, Bolts Filling Station, and Sinclair’s Taxis.
