Help improve merchant seafarers’ lives through volunteering

No matter how much time or how little you have available, you can make a difference to the lives of merchant seafarers by helping our charity…

Many volunteers dedicate their time and energy to improve the lives of merchant seafarers by volunteering to help our Society in its work. In 1818 the Sailors' Society was started by a group of well-intentioned merchants in the Port of London who volunteered their time and energy to care for the welfare of seafarers and that tradition has been sustained and volunteers are still very much at the heart of what we do.

Our volunteers are essential to us. You're the face of the Sailors’ Society in the local community. You raise money to fund our vital services and help us to deliver these services. You tell people what we're here for and your voice helps us shape and improve our care.

What can I do in a few minutes or hours?

Take part in a local fundraising collection, help out at a local event, research new fundraising opportunities from home or your office, organise your own fundraising event!

Support our fundraising campaigns!

Become an e-campaigner! Help us improve awareness of merchant seafarers and their importance to everyday lives and get a better deal for them by supporting our campaigns.

Help in a Sailors’ Society office or charity shop or from home!

We often need people to help us with a whole range of activities including research, coordinating volunteer activity, public relations and office administration.

Think up your own ideas to help us. Turn your interests and hobbies into a great fundraising idea or event and organise this yourself. We will give you as much encouragement and support as you need from us.

In return for your time, we want to give you every opportunity to get the most out of volunteering for the Sailors’ Society. These could be just some of the benefits to you.

• Make a difference to seafarers’ lives.
• Gain experience and skills.
• Meet and inspire people and be inspired.
• Personal development.
• Career building.
• Be part of a team and learn team-building skills.
• Improve the lives of merchant seafarers and learn about the sea.