RMNEF Newsletter December 2025
News and Noteworthy
Honouring Our Royal Patron on His Recent Birthday
As we celebrate His Majesty The King’s birthday, the RMNEF proudly acknowledges his longstanding dedication to supporting charitable endeavours across the nation. His Majesty’s patronage has brought invaluable visibility and encouragement to our Foundation, strengthening its mission to improve the lives of seafarers and their families. Through his unwavering commitment to service, The King continues to exemplify the values of duty, compassion, and community that lie at the heart of our maritime heritage. We extend our warmest wishes to His Majesty on this special occasion and offer our gratitude for his continued support of our cause.
MNWB Seafarers’ Welfare Conference 2025: RMNEF Highlights
The MNWB Seafarers’ Welfare Conference once again brought together charities, industry partners, and welfare professionals to discuss the evolving needs of today’s seafarers. With themes of collaboration, innovation, and modern welfare delivery, the event highlighted how the sector is adapting to support seafarers and their families in a rapidly changing world.
A key moment was the Spotlight Session; Members Insight, featuring four newly appointed CEOs, including our own Diana Pearson. Diana showcased the RMNEF’s shift to a modern, digital-first support model that makes educational assistance faster, simpler, and more accessible for seafaring families. She emphasised that digital tools strengthen, rather than replace, the personal support families rely on.
Diana also highlighted RMNEF’s growing role in shaping welfare policy, using our insight to advocate for preventative, joined-up support across charities, schools, and industry. She encouraged continued collaboration to avoid duplication and ensure families are reached early and effectively.
The session reinforced a clear message: the welfare sector is strongest when working together. RMNEF remains committed to ensuring no child from a Merchant Navy family is held back by cost or circumstance.
New Merchant Navy Awareness Video Released
The Merchant Navy Welfare Board has launched a new awareness video celebrating the vital contribution of Merchant Navy seafarers and the charities that support them. The film offers a clear, engaging introduction to who the Merchant Navy are, the roles seafarers play in keeping global trade moving, and the realities of life at sea today.
It’s a powerful reminder of why welfare support matters and why organisations like RMNEF, working alongside others across the sector, play such an important role in supporting seafarers and their families.
You can watch the video here:
Merchant Navy Awareness Video
https://www.mnwb.org/news/merchant-navy-awareness-video-launches/
Spotlight
Learning Through the Festive Season
At the RMNEF, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom. True learning happens everywhere, through shared experiences, creative activities, and the joy of discovery. The festive season is a wonderful time to nurture these moments, offering children opportunities to learn, connect, and grow in ways that are both meaningful and memorable.
For many families, especially those connected to the sea, this time of year can also bring its own challenges. Parents may be away on long voyages, or finances may be stretched a little tighter during the holiday period. That’s why RMNEF grants are designed to help, supporting not just academic study, but the trips, experiences, and activities that help children thrive.
Here are just a few ways the festive season can enrich learning. With a little support along the way:
🎭 Festive School Trips – Visiting a local pantomime, museum, or historical site can make learning come alive. These experiences build curiosity and cultural understanding. With RMNEF grants, we’re proud to help ensure no child misses out on the magic of shared learning beyond the classroom.
🎶 Music and Performance – Whether it’s joining the school choir, performing in a Christmas play, or learning a new carol at home, music brings joy and confidence. Performing in front of others fosters self-assurance and teamwork, skills that last long after the final note.
📚 Storytelling and Creativity – Writing festive stories, crafting decorations, or reading together as a family can all spark imagination and improve literacy. These small traditions not only build skills but also strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
🍪 Learning at Home – Education doesn’t always need a classroom. Baking festive treats, measuring ingredients, or budgeting for small gifts are simple, low-cost ways to teach maths and practical life skills. For low-income families, using what’s already at home such as paper, card, old magazines, or recycled materials, can turn craft time into a fun, educational activity.
🌟 Community and Giving – The season of goodwill offers valuable lessons too. Volunteering locally, making cards for neighbours, or organising a small fundraising event teaches empathy, kindness, and teamwork. Essential qualities for young people growing up in today’s world.
The RMNEF continues to help families access these experiences, from funding school trips to enabling after-school clubs or festive learning opportunities. These moments may seem small, but for a child, they can make a world of difference.
As we move through the festive season, we’re reminded that education is not just about lessons and exams; it’s about helping children discover their passions, gain confidence, and see the world with curiosity and hope. With every trip, concert, or creative project supported, we’re helping young people build the skills and the spirit to navigate wherever life may take them.
Finally, the RMNEF wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
