This can be a tough time of year for crew spending the holidays at sea away from loved ones.

For those at home unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, financial pressures and other worries are ever present.

ISWAN's free, confidential, multilingual helpline SeafarerHelp is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and at this time of year it is more important than ever to make sure no seafarer feels alone.

ISWAN's helpline team handled over 20,000 calls and messages from seafarers between April 2020 and March 2021

Demand for ISWAN's services reached a record high during the pandemic as seafarers from around the world contacted us for help, guidance and support. We assisted over 33,000 seafarers and their families of 96 different nationalities.

During this period, we received double the usual number of calls and messages related to suicides or suicidal thoughts

Seafarers have faced countless mental health challenges resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. SeafarerHelp is available day and night for any seafarer, whether they are experiencing a mental health crisis or feeling low or lonely during the holiday period.

YOU can make a difference

ISWAN's work relies on charitable grants and donations. You can help us be there for seafarers and their families around the world by donating to ISWAN this holiday season.

Photos thanks to: Zay Yar Lin, Chan Min Thet & Matilda Christiansson