No Fishermen Left Behind – Supporting Former Fishermen
“The Fishermen’s Mission have been very good and helped more than expected. You’ve done it for us, Jane was so kind and helpful and it’s lovely to know the support is there”
Brian is a former fisherman from Almwch, a fishing town on the remote and rugged Welsh coastline of Northeast Anglesey. For Brian and many fishermen like him, life here is defined by the sea.
Protected from the crashing waves of the Irish Sea by breakwaters, the harbour inlets are peaceful, with only a handful of fishermen continuing to carry on old traditions.
When this is all you have known, retiring to land brings unique challenges. At the Fishermen’s Mission, we are here so those challenges are never faced alone.
Life after fishing
When ill health forced Brian to end his fishing career, the abrupt transition was difficult. Without work, he was forced to sell his boat and faced an uncertain future.
“I often rely on word of mouth to pick up clients,” says Jane Devereux, our Port Officer in North Wales. “Thankfully the support and care we can provide is being widely circulated.”
It was through conversations with Amlwch’s Harbour Master, Malwyn Griffiths, that Jane learned about Brian’s situation and was able to reach out:
“Brian and his partner live with their adorable Jack Russell Terrier in a windswept row of stone Welsh cottages. When I arrived, we had a laugh as I greeted the dog first before shaking Brian’s hand!”
Practical Help when it mattered most
Jane was able to offer Brian more than a chat over a panad (a cup of tea). Like many former fishermen, he was unaware of what support was available. Jane connected him to SAIL (Seafarers’ Advice and Information Line), a specialist service that acts like the Citizen’s Advice Bureau for seafarers.
“As Brian had fished for most of his life he was entitled to regular grant support. SAIL also advised Brian about putting his finances in order for the future.”
This wasn’t where Jane’s support stopped. She learned of a seemingly small challenge that was impacting his quality of life.
“Chatting with Brian also revealed their cooker was not working. I sourced a grant to provide a new one for them.”
A safety net for former fishermen
“Brian could not believe we could help in this way and is now letting other active and retired local fishermen know just how the Fishermen’s Mission can help them.”
We often find that many former fishermen don’t seek help because they don’t know it exists. But it is out there, with people like Jane.
“Fishing families are rightly proud people. Making a difference for good in their lives, even in small ways, is at the heart of what the Fishermen’s Mission does across Wales and the whole UK. Let’s get that message out there!”
Spread the word
Many former fishermen don’t seek help because they don’t know it exists. By sharing this story, you can help us reach more fishermen in need.
You can also support us through a donation. Your generosity helps us fund our Officers like Jane and the marketing efforts needed to reach more people.
