During these difficult times, the seafarers are undertaking a very critical function of keeping the wheels of the world economy moving and ensuring essential commodities and aid reaches the people in different countries.

Staying away from their families and in many cases unable to disembark from ships on completion of contract or for a shore leave is bound to cause added stress.

The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has launched a new video aimed at seafarers. It provides information and guidance from a counselling psychologist, Dr Kate Thompson, about managing mental health during this crisis. The video is available on the right, hosted on YouTube. It is also available on their Facebook, twitter and LinkedIn handles.

Seafarers can also access ISWAN’s mental health self-help guides and information on COVID-19 on the right.

ISWAN is fully operational with staff working from home. SeafarerHelp is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.