Peer-to-peer support groups for seafarers affected by Ukraine war

The WhatsApp groups build on the success of the Society’s existing Peer-to-Peer Support Groups, which have trained moderators and are run as part of its Wellness at Sea programme.

They will help seafarers to assist and support one another in this extraordinary time.

Different groups

The support groups enable Ukrainian and Russian seafarers to speak to other crews from their own country in their own language, while a third group is made up of seafarers from other nationalities.

'Sailors’ Society chaplains are supporting seafarers from all sides deeply affected by the ongoing war every day,' said Sara Baade, CEO, Sailors’ Society.

14.5% of world's seafarers Ukrainian or Russian

'Some 14.5% of the world's seafarers are Ukrainian or Russian. And up to one in five officers are Ukrainian, meaning many crews will find themselves serving under officers concerned about their homeland and families. The Support Groups will allow them to chat with others who find themselves in similar situations.'

For information or to join, go here.