Dear Friends
I would like to thank each of you for the integral, and often unnoticed, role you play in sustaining our global supply chains. 95% of all UK goods are shipped across oceans and I would like to recognise the personal sacrifice so many of you are making, to maintain this supply line in these unprecedented times.
Whilst isolation may be a new concept to many people, it is not new to seafarers. Many of us are accustomed to isolation from our family and friends for extended periods of time while at sea. Isolation brings with it a myriad of challenges, most notably for mental health due to the loss of face to face interaction with our support networks. I have been heartened by the overwhelming support and acknowledgment of these challenges from groups, such as Seafarers UK, S.A.I.L., Sailors’ Society and, of course, our own Student Union offering support for students at sea. It is in times like these, that we see the real community that exists among seafarers highlighted and we will weather out this storm as a community.
Again, a massive thank you and if anyone would like any support, I would love the opportunity to speak with you – here is my phone number should you need it 07875826909.
I look forward to seeing you all very soon, either on the high seas or around our St Mary's Campus!
Fair winds and following seas.
Yours Sincerely,
Gareth Hampton
Warsash Maritime Academy Liaison Officer
Seafarers' Advice & Information Line (SAIL) is a completely free and confidential advice service for seafarers and their partners. SAIL gives advice on UK-related issues. SAIL can help with debt/budgeting, benefits, financial grants, housing, employment issues, immigration and much more. To contact SAIL either call free on 0800 160 1842 (10-4 weekdays) or email advice@sailine.org.uk.
Seafarers Help: help@seafarershelp.org www.seafarershelp.org 020 7323 2737
Sailors’ Society: https://www.sailors-society.org/ +44 (0)23 8051 5950
Support and advice is still available from the Student Hub and you can contact them by calling 023 8201 5200 or emailing student.hub@solent.ac.uk