About us

We’ve helped over 48,000 disadvantaged children of seafarers throughout the UK since 1821

Sailors’ Children’s Society is a national charity that provides support to children whose parent has made a living at sea or from the inland canals or rivers. We help mariners from fishing fleets, Royal Navy and Merchant Navy families including ferries, cruise ships, cargo ships and offshore industries.

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Apply for help

The Society’s aim is to help children of seafarers who are in severe financial difficulty.

Do I qualify for support?

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Have you served at sea for at least 6 months? One of the child’s parents must have either served in the Royal or Merchant Navy or in the fishing fleets including ferries, tankers, cruise ships and cargo boats.

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And, do you have a child or children under the age of 18? You must be the person in receipt of child benefit.

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And, are you in receipt of any of the following means-tested state benefits? Housing Benefit or the Housing Element of Universal Credit. Council Tax Benefit (other than single persons 25% discount or disablement reduction).

How we can help you

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Child Welfare Grants are paid monthly to each child to help pay for day to day children’s living costs.

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Clothing Grants are paid twice a year to each child for school uniforms and winter clothing.

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Special Grants. These are paid on an adhoc basis to help towards educational trips or essential children’s items.

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Christmas Grants are a small grant paid to each child to ensure everyone gets a gift at this special time of year.

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Every family receiving our support is eligible to go to one of our eight caravans for a weeklong respite break.

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Every family has the option to have support from a Family Support Officer.

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Each family receive a desktop computer, if they do not have access to one at home already.

Get involved
Get involved

How can I get involved?

Fundraising is vital for the Sailors' Children's Society and our ongoing support for struggling families. Get involved with local or national events and know you are making a difference with every donation.

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Individual fundraising. You can make a difference by entering a sponsored race or organising a local event.

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Group fundraising. Get friends and family involved to form a team for sporting events or throw a party for charity.

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Corporate fundraising. Make the most of your business profile and throw a charity gala or golf day to raise funds.

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School fundraising. Get the whole school community involved with bake sales, sports days and themed dress-down days.

Principle Funders
Greenwich Hospital
Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity
The Seafarers’ Charity
Trinity House London
News

The Seafarers’ Charity the Headline Sponsor of Ladies Lunch

Gosschalks LLP an Associate Sponsor of Ladies Lunch

Summit Drive the Main Sponsor of Ladies Lunch

The Be Brand Announces Charitable Partnership with Sailors’ Children Society

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Events

Sailors’ Children’s Society Christmas Appeal 2023

Sportsman’s Lunch 2024

Sportsman’s Lunch 2022

Golf Am Am 2022

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