RMNEF Newsletter June 2025
News and Noteworthy
Building Stronger Relationships
Since stepping into her role as CEO, Diana has been actively working to strengthen the RMNEF’s relationships with fellow maritime and family-support charities. Diana’s focus on collaboration and shared purpose is already yielding positive outcomes.
Reflecting on the importance of working together to make lasting change, Diana reported that, ‘This month alone we have had eight news referrals from four different charities. By joining forces, we can expand our reach, pool our resources and ensure the children of those at sea continue to receive the support that they need.’
If you’re part of an organisation with shared goals, we’d love to hear from you, we have a range of resources and fact sheets that might be useful to you.
Fishing Rights
Recently, the European Union and the United Kingdom reached a new agreement on fishing arrangements. While the details focus primarily on sustainable fishing practices and quota allocations, such agreements can have a ripple effect on fishing communities. As a charity that supports the children of those working at sea, we continue to watch these developments with care, always mindful of their potential impact on the families we support.
Spotlight
Supporting the Next Step: University Grants & Preparation
As September approaches, we’re thinking of the young adults in our community preparing to take a significant step: starting university. For many, this will be their first experience of living independently and managing their own finances. At RMNEF, we understand that the transition can be both exciting and daunting, especially for those no longer receiving financial support from their families.
That’s why we offer monthly University grants, paid continuously throughout their time at university. The amounts are tailored to whether students are living at home or in university accommodation. This grant exists to ease the financial pressures of student life, and in some cases, it may be the deciding factor in whether a young person can even pursue higher education at all. For others it might make the difference in needing a part-time job that could affect their studies.
We are committed to encouraging and enabling further education, and we want to ensure our young people are not held back by financial barriers.
Getting Ready for University: Tips for a Smooth Start
- Start Budgeting Early . Begin practicing a basic monthly budget now. Track income (like grants, loans, or part-time work) and expected expenses (rent, groceries, travel, books). This helps build good habits and reduces financial stress later on.
- Learn to Cook a Few Simple Meals . Knowing how to cook a few affordable, nutritious meals can save a lot of money and help you feel more at home. Pasta, stir-fries, and one-pot dishes are great starters.
- Organise Important Documents. Keep digital and paper copies of important documents—ID, student finance letters, accommodation agreements, NHS details, and your university offer.
- Pack Smart . Don’t overpack! Focus on essentials, bedding, kitchen basics, stationery, toiletries, and a few comforts from home. Check what’s already provided in student accommodation.
- Register with a GP in Your University City. It’s easy to overlook, but vital. Encourage students to register with a local doctor once they move.
- Plan for Independent Living . Get familiar with things like doing laundry, setting up a bank account, paying bills (if applicable), and managing time. Little bits of experience now go a long way later.
- Connect with Others Before Arrival . Many universities run social media groups or chat forums for new students. Joining one can help ease social nerves and build early friendships.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help.
Whether it’s financial support, mental health, or academic guidance, students should know where to find help, at their university and from Charity like RMNEF.
Dates for your diary
- 2nd -8th June – Child Safety Week
- 2nd-8th June – Volunteer Week
- 25th June – Day of the Seafarer
