MNWB is proud to support our member organisations with grant funding to make a positive impact on the lives of serving and retired seafarers and fishers.
Following the provision of funding from the Department for Transport to refurbish the QVSR Seafarers’ Centres, MNWB also funded the initiative to make QVSR Bristol Seafarers’ Centre a 24/7 day operation. The newly-refurbished centre opened in November last year. And four months on, it is clear that the funding has been transformational and sees the QVSR Bristol Seafarers’ Centre modernised to a standard that makes it one of the best examples of seafarer welfare facilities in Europe.
QVSR Bristol Seafarers’ Centre
The affirmation of our services at our QVSR Seafarers’ Centres comes from the seafarers themselves; they appreciate the space away from the ship, the chance to relax and “switch off” so that they feel rested and can resume their work in a more refreshed state of mind. They especially appreciate the opportunity to talk with our Chaplains. A solitary Ukrainian seafarer amongst a crew of Russians was grateful to be able to spend time with our QVSR Chaplain, Steve Loader, when he arrived in Bristol. The seafarer was able to share his concerns and anxieties about his life aboard ship, he was feeling very isolated and, after many months at sea, wanted to return home. Steve was able to provide a listening ear and working alongside our maritime partners and port authorities, help him to leave the ship and facilitate his safe repatriation. The intervention of our chaplains can often lead to a timely resolution of many issues which arise aboard ship.
Crew changes happen around the clock and ship arrivals do not always run to schedule – hence our commitment for all the QVSR Seafarers’ Centres to be able to provide a service 24 hours and we are working with Port Authorities to see how this can best be managed. Recently, a crew arrived at the Bristol centre hoping to join a ship expected in to port at 6pm. The ship was unexpectedly delayed until midnight illustrating how the centre can provide a safe and comfortable place for the seafarers to rest while they wait for the ship and the seafarers can continue to enjoy the centre’s facilities for as long as is needed.
“Seafarer centres need to deliver everything the modern seafarer needs and wants – a warm welcome, a comfortable space to relax in, recreational facilities such as pool and karaoke and access to free wi-fi. In Bristol we have created a modern space of the highest standard with probably the only alcohol-free seafarers’ bar in the world – aptly named ‘The Dry Dock’!
The provision of 24 hour access at seafarers’ centres is vital, as ships and crew can arrive in port at any time, and we are very grateful to the Bristol Port Company who are very supportive of this initiative.
We want seafarers on ships visiting our shores to experience the very best facilities and Bristol now has a first-class seafarers’ centre – a centre that is ‘Shipshape and Bristol Fashion’.
QVSR would like to thank the MNWB for their support in making our vision a reality.” Alexander Campbell, QVSR CEO
