For generations The Fishermen’s Mission has provided help and practical support to seafarers both in Orkney and beyond.
“We see a fishing industry where everyone feels supported, valued, and safe, no matter the size of their boat or the waters they work in.”
On Wednesday 14 October there will be a free event, ‘SEAFIT’ for Fishermen and their Families from 10 am to 2pm at the Fisheries Association Pier, Kirkwall.
SeaFit is a long-term programme designed to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of fishermen throughout the UK, delivered in partnership with The Fishermen’s Mission. It links with NHS and Public Health services to facilitate access to local health promotion and prevention initiatives and, where services are limited, works with local teams to support outreach into fishing communities.
SeaFit provides a range of free services direct to the community:
- NHS Health checks at the harbourside
- Healthy Lifestyle Advisors in the community
- Dental checks with some initial treatment
- Access to mental health and wellbeing support
- Physiotherapy
Jackie Dodds, Fishermen’s Mission Area Manager for Orkney and Caithness said:
“We are hoping for a good turn out to our walk in clinic in Kirkwall which is being held in the Fishing Association Offices. We are very fortunate to have Catriona Arthur who is a Communities lifestyle Advisor on hand and also Karyn who is the Oral Health Team lead, who can advise on oral hygiene and signpost the best place to receive help.
“Two events held last year discovered problems with blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and cholesterol. Knowing about it meant the fishermen were incentivised to visit their GP.
“The Fishermen’s Mission always have their clients, their families and their widows first and centre of their focus. We have been around since 1881 and while our methods may have changed, our ethics remain the same and we are always happy to help any fisherman who reaches out.
“Our aim is to offer help and support to fishermen when they need us but we can only do it if we know they are there. It is worth coming along because apart from health advice, we have a lot more services to offer if criteria is met.
“Fishermens widows and direct families are also welcome. So please come along, get a cup of tea or coffee and have a chat. We would be delighted to see you. It doesn’t matter how long ago you fished, if you are eighty and retired but fished for a number of years in your youth, we still class you as a fishermen, so don’t let the fact you are retired stop you attending.”
The Big Dip
The Fisherman’s Mission does not receive any money from the Government or The National Lottery.
If you would like to raise money for The Fisherman’s Mission, you can take part in ‘The Big Dip’. This runs from 5 to 11 October. If you do take part let us know and we will provide a link to your fundraising page.
“The Big Dip is a week of chilly swims, brave splashes, and shoreline cheering – all to raise funds for the hardworking fishermen who bring seafood to our tables.
The funds you raise through dipping will help us provide emergency grants, welfare outreach, mental health support, and bereavement care during times of hardship.
For more information click on this link: The Big Dip
