SeaFit Programme

The SeaFit Programme is a joint initiative from the Fishermen’s Mission and Seafarers Hospital Society, working in partnership to deliver sustainable improvement in the health and wellbeing of fishermen and their families around the UK. Funded by Seafarers UK, the Seafit programme started in July 2018 and will run until the end of 2021. Scroll to the bottom of the page to read the Seafit evaluation report for year 1.

Upcoming events:

There are currently no upcoming events.

The SeaFit Programme provides a range of free mental and physical health and wellbeing services for fishermen and their families. This includes:

• Health Checks at the harbourside
• Healthy Lifestyle Advisors in the community
• Dental checks with some initial treatment and subsidised costs
• Access to specialised mental health and wellbeing support
• A network of Physiotherapists trained to meet the specific needs of fishermen

Services & Contact

Health Checks

The first Seafit health check took place in Peterhead from 2nd -4th October 2018 and was an outstanding success. The event brought together a wide range of health and wellbeing experts to provide advice, support, and treatment at or near a harbourside. Over the course of three days, we saw many local fishermen and their families undertaking 59 health checks and 21 dental checks.

The second was in three locations in Northern Ireland: Ardglass for two days in March 2019, followed by one day in Portavogie and two days in Kilkeel in April 2019. All together we reached over 150 fishermen in three ports, with blood pressure and diabetes checks, carbon monoxide and skin cancer tests, physiotherapy, oral health checks, and eye tests as well as information, support and guidance on many aspects of physical and mental health and wellbeing.

We have so far conducted a series of events over 48 days in 18 ports. In addition to providing easier access and treatment right on the quayside, we have also raised awareness of the importance of health care via campaigns, social media, and publicity on specific health conditions. All contributing to improving the health and wellbeing of many fishermen and their families.

Dental Checks and Immediate Treatment

We are working with community dental providers Dentaid and Smile Together to deliver free dental checks and some initial treatment to fishermen and their families. A number of successful events have taken place around the country and more are planned for the coming year. Wherever possible, dental checks will also be included in the health check events.

We have run several dental tours, working with community dental providers Dentaid and Smile Together. Free dental checks and immediate treatment for fishermen and their families can only be provided at health events. A number of successful events have taken place around the country and when funding allows more will be planned and listed in our event section.

If you are looking for an NHS dentist or require urgent treatment then information can be found here:

England:      https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-to-find-an-nhs-dentist/

Scotland:   nhsinform.scot/care-support-and-rights/nhs-services/dental/receiving-nhs-dental-treatment-in-scotland

Ireland:  https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/health-service-dental-charges-and-treatments

Wales:        https://www.wales.nhs.uk/ourservices/findannhsdentist

NHS waiting times can be very long, therefore if private dental treatment is not an option, these might be possible solutions, although there may still be waiting times and charges for some treatment:

Dreadnought Dental treatment for active fishermen: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Dreadnought contact details:  020 7188 2047   email: gst-tr.dreadnought@nhs.net

More info https://seahospital.org.uk/help-for-you/dreadnought-special-medical-facility-for-seafarers/

In exceptional circumstance your local Fishermen’s Mission Port Staff might be able to make an application to SHS for a grant to go towards some of the costs, as long as the dental work is carried out by an NHS Dentist.

>Click here to find out more <<

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

We provide mental health and wellbeing support to fishermen and their families in the following locations:

Cornwall
Ceri Summers of Fairwinds, is based in Newlyn. Ceri is an experienced mental health practitioner offering advice, support and counselling to fishermen and their families.

To find out more or to book an appointment call: 07934 720429 or email: fairwinds781@outlook.com

Norfolk and Suffolk
Offer mental health and wellbeing support and signposting in Norfolk and Suffolk through a project called Fishwell, which is delivered by MTICC. They also meet with fishermen on the quayside at a variety of locations including Lowestoft, Southwold, Dunwich, Sizewell, Thorpeness, Alderburgh, Felixstowe, Orford, Cromer, Wells-next-the-Sea and King’s Lynn.

To find out more call: 01284 765854, email: info@fishwell.org.uk, or visit their website: www.fishwell.org.uk

To complement these services there is also an online service available free through Seafarers Hospital Society called Togetherall. https://seahospital.org.uk/help-for-you/mental-health-and-wellbeing/

Network of Physiotherapists

A network of physiotherapists who have practices close to fishing harbours has been created. They provide a holistic and preventative approach to physiotherapy services for local fishermen.

To find out more about the physio network, https://seahospital.org.uk/seafit-programme/

COVID-19:
All SeaFit activities are being conducted in line with Government advice. Advisors are meeting people outside or are available to contact by phone or email:

SeaFit Evaluation year 1 (2019)

Click on the buon to the right, or click here to read the SeaFit Evaluation Report Year One.

The SeaFit Programme covers numerous aspects of mental and physical health and wellbeing, providing a range of services direct to the fishing community completely free of charge. This includes:

1. Health checks at the harbourside.
2. Healthy Lifestyle Advisors in the community.
3. Dental checks with some initial treatment.
4. Access to mental health and wellbeing support.
5. Development of a network of physiotherapists trained to meet the specific needs of fishermen.

Smile Together Impact Report

Click here to view our Smile Together Impact Report