SeaFit returns to North Shields to provide free health and dental services for fishermen
North Shields, 27th March, 10am to 4pm
SeaFit is once again bringing vital health and dental services to fishermen and their families in North Shields.
The Fish Quay will host free health and dental checks, information and support. This year, the initiative will welcome: Dentaid, YourHealth, British Liver Trust, Parish Nurses, Prostate Cancer UK, C-Aware, Swap to Stop, SAIL, Social Prescribers and other occupational related wellbeing services.
SeaFit is a collaborative initiative led by two respected maritime charities, the Fishermen’s Mission and the Seafarers Hospital Society. Designed to improve the health and wellbeing of fishermen and their families, Seafit provides flexible, quayside-based services in partnership with local healthcare providers and charities.
“We are delighted to be bringing SeaFit back to North Shields, offering essential health and wellbeing services directly to those in the fishing industry,” said SeaFit Manager Carol Elliott. “Our partnerships with local healthcare providers allow us to have a real impact on the lives of fishermen and their families.”
This year’s event will take place inside the fish market, providing a unique yet familiar venue for the fishing community. No booking is required, fishermen and their families can simply drop in for free health checks, dental services, and expert advice.
Local Fishermen’s Mission staff are crucial to the success of SeaFit, they are a connecting influence between health services and the fishing community. North-east England Fishermen’s Mission Area Officer Peter Dade said: “During these events we still meet with fishermen who are not aware of the support we can offer and find more people contacting us having met us at an event.”
About the Fishermen’s Mission: Established in 1881, the Fishermen’s Mission (also known as the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen) is the only national charity that works solely with active fishermen, former fishermen and their families.
Providing services around the whole of the UK coastline they offer financial, practical, and welfare support including 24/7 emergency response for fishermen who are taken ill or have an accident at sea; as well as vital and unique support for the families of fishermen who are lost at sea.
Further information regarding the work of the Fishermen’s Mission is available on their website www.fishermensmission.org.uk or Twitter, Instagram (both @thefishmish) and Facebook (search Fishermen’s Mission)
About SeaFit: SeaFit is a joint initiative from the Seafarers Hospital Society and the Fishermen’s Mission. These two respected organisations are working in partnership to deliver sustainable improvements in the health and wellbeing of fishermen and their families around the UK.
SeaFit covers all aspects of health and wellbeing. We partner with a wide range of local health care providers and charities who want to make an even greater impact on the health and wellbeing of our fishing communities. Services often includes health checks on the harbourside; health trainers in the community; free dental checks and treatment; access to mental health and wellbeing support; and development of a network of physiotherapists trained to meet the specific needs of fishermen.
About the Seafarers Hospital Society: A maritime charity dedicated to meeting the health, welfare and advice needs of seafarers of any nationality based in the United Kingdom. Looking after the health and welfare of seafarers and their families for 200 years through the provision of health and welfare grants to seafarers and their dependents, and to the maritime organisations that care for them. www.seahospital.org.uk
