RMNEF Newsletter July 2026

News and Noteworthy

Looking Ahead: RMNEF Strategy Day
This month, RMNEF’s Board of Trustees took part in a dedicated Strategy Day, facilitated by Cathy Shimmin, Director of Social Change. While charities are often focused on meeting immediate needs and delivering frontline support, taking time to step back and reflect is essential to ensuring long-term sustainability and impact. Strategy days provide charities with the opportunity to review their purpose, challenge existing thinking, respond to changing needs, and plan confidently for the future.

Throughout the day, Trustees explored key areas including income generation, Finance, people and organisational structure, service provision, and the Foundation’s future strategic priorities. Drawing on discussion papers prepared in advance, the Board reflected on RMNEF’s values, vision and mission, considering how we can continue to strengthen our support for Merchant Navy and fishing families while building a resilient and sustainable charity for the years ahead. The collaborative discussions will help shape the Foundation’s future direction and ensure that every decision we make continues to maximise our impact for the families we serve. More to follow!

Octopus Boom Continues to Challenge UK Fishing Communities
Marine scientists have reported that the recent surge in octopus numbers around the UK coast has continued into 2026, with sightings now extending as far north as Scotland. While some fishermen have benefited from increased octopus catches, many shellfish fishermen have experienced significant losses as octopuses prey on crabs, lobsters and other valuable shellfish species. Researchers believe warmer sea temperatures have contributed to the population increase, highlighting how changing marine environments can have a direct impact on coastal livelihoods and fishing families. 
For families whose income depends on the fishing industry, changing conditions at sea can create uncertainty both on and offshore. RMNEF continues to support eligible fishing families by helping to remove financial barriers to children’s education when circumstances become challenging.

Spotlight

Making the Most of the Summer Holidays – Learning, Saving and Supporting Your Family

For many children, the summer holidays are a time of adventure, relaxation and making memories. For seafaring families, however, the six-week break can also bring unique challenges. With one parent often managing the household alone while their partner is away at sea, balancing work, childcare and keeping children entertained can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that helping children continue to learn, grow and enjoy the summer doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Some of the most valuable experiences are completely free and simply require a little creativity and time together.

Free Ways to Keep Children Learning This Summer
Research shows that children who continue reading, exploring and developing new skills over the summer often return to school more confident and ready to learn. Here are a few ideas that won’t break the bank;

Coping When a Parent is Away at Sea
Summer can feel particularly long when a loved one is working away. While every family copes differently, maintaining routines and creating ways to stay connected can make a real difference.
Some simple ideas include:
• Create a countdown calendar until they return home.
• Encourage children to draw pictures or record video messages to share when communication is available.
• Mark the ship’s location (where appropriate) on a world map so children can follow Mum or Dad’s journey.
• Keep familiar routines around meals, bedtime and activities to provide stability.
• Talk openly about feelings and reassure children that it’s perfectly normal to miss someone.
• Don’t be afraid to accept support from family, friends or your local community when you need it.

Remember, you are not alone. Many seafaring families face similar challenges, and small routines and shared moments can make a big difference.

Planning Ahead for September
Although the holidays may have only just begun, July is one of the best times to prepare for the new school year.
Many retailers launch their school uniform promotions before the summer holidays begin, offering families the opportunity to save money while benefiting from the widest choice of sizes.

• Shop early to get the best choice of sizes.
• Check your school’s pre-loved uniform shop or local community groups.
• Buy supermarket basics where branded uniform isn’t required.
• Label everything to avoid replacing lost items.
• Make a checklist before shopping to avoid buying unnecessary duplicates.
• Spread purchases across the summer where possible to help manage your budget.

Could RMNEF Help?
If you’re worried about the cost of educational essentials for the new school year, it’s worth getting in touch before making purchases. The RMNEF may be able to help eligible Merchant Navy, fishing, RNLI and RFA families with educational costs such as school uniform, school shoes, transport, laptops and other items where there is a demonstrated educational need and financial hardship.

Please remember that, as a charity, we are unable to consider applications for items that have already been purchased, so applying early gives us the best opportunity to assess your request before the new term begins.

The summer holidays don’t have to be filled with expensive days out to be memorable. Reading together, exploring your local area, learning new skills and spending quality time together can build confidence, curiosity and resilience that lasts well beyond September.

At RMNEF, we’re here to help remove educational barriers so every child has the opportunity to learn, thrive and achieve their potential.

Dates for the Diary

• 3–5 July – The Seafarers’ Charity 24 Peaks Challenge
• 15 July – World Youth Skills Day
• 24 July – Samaritans Awareness Day (The Big Listen)
• 25 July – 9 August – National Marine Week