SEAFARERS’ SOCIETY CREATES ‘BELONGING’ FOR RETIRED MARINERS

Seafarers’ Society creates ‘Belonging’ for retired mariners through community activities to combat isolation. Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society emphasises the power of conversation for retired seafarers through community activities and memory building.

Maritime charity, The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, is highlighting the importance of conversation and community in tackling loneliness among retired maritime professionals. Growing awareness of seafarers’ mental health challenges, at sea and in retirement, highlights the need for proactive support.

The Society is showcasing how its Belvedere House care home in Surrey creates meaningful opportunities for seafarers to share their stories, preserve their maritime heritage, and develop lasting connections. Research shows that, during their careers, seafarers and veterans miss family milestones. This, alongside extended time away from family and friends, can bring about stress and depression so it is vital to create a feeling of belonging and community in the later stages of their lives.

The team at Belvedere House has developed a range of initiatives specifically designed to stimulate conversation and community amongst residents. For example, the Memory Café, held on the first Friday of every month, provides a friendly place where residents, families, and friends can meet over tea, coffee, and cake to share memories, make new friends, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. For many retired seafarers, it is a valuable opportunity to recount life at sea, preserve maritime stories, and connect with others who understand the hardships and achievements of life in that sector.

The Society also runs regular ‘Knit and Natter’ sessions and ‘Ladies & Gents Pamper Sessions,’ offering manicures and hair styling designed to aid relaxation, self-confidence, and social connection in a comfortable setting. These activities reflect the Society’s holistic approach to care and wellbeing, recognising that social connection is as important as physical health for residents in care facilities.

Research shows that older adults who regularly take part in social and stimulating activities experience significantly slower cognitive decline. For retired seafarers, , who may have spent extended periods isolated at sea and dealing with the unique stresses of maritime life, creating opportunities for conversation and community in retirement is essential. Their shared nautical experience creates natural bonds between residents, with sea stories providing endless opportunities for connection and reminiscence.

Captain David Dominy, MA, RCDS, CEO of the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, emphasises the importance of taking the time to talk to one another:

“For many seafarers, their working lives were defined by long periods away from home and loved ones, experiencing separation anxiety and often missing precious family moments. In retirement, it’s vital that we create the feeling of connection and belonging they may have missed. At Belvedere House, we see daily how powerful a simple conversation can be, whether residents are sharing stories from their time at sea, reminiscing, or quietly enjoying a cup of tea together. These connections aren’t just pleasant; they’re essential to mental well-being and help preserve the rich maritime heritage that our residents carry with them.”

The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society continues to place conversation and connection as fundamental elements of quality care for retired seafarers. By creating regular opportunities for residents to come together, share stories, and support one another, the Society helps former seafarers enjoy retirement surrounded by community, understanding, and maritime camaraderie.

For more information, visit the Society’s website or Facebook page.

Image: The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society