RMNEF Newsletter October 2025
News and Noteworthy
Kellie Bright on the SEND Struggle
EastEnders actress Kellie Bright has recently opened up about the emotional and systemic challenges of navigating the SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities) system for her son, who lives with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.
Kellie’s journey features in a recent BBC Panorama documentary, which explores the wider national crisis facing families navigating the SEND system. The programme sheds light on how underfunding and systemic shortcomings are affecting children across England.
In addition speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour (10 September), Kellie described feeling “exhausted”, “overwhelmed”, and at times like she was “letting him down”, despite her tireless efforts to secure the support he needs. She highlighted the bureaucratic barriers, long delays, and inconsistent provision that so many families face when seeking appropriate educational support.
Honouring Service in the Merchant Navy
This year’s Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service highlights the extraordinary dedication and bravery of those within the maritime community.
Among the recipients was Sharon Coveney, The Deputy Chief Executive at the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), recognised for her long-standing commitment to seafarer welfare and safety, from her early career at sea to her later work supporting vulnerable individuals and maritime charities. Her recognition reflects the collective efforts of those working behind the scenes to improve lives across the sector.
Also honoured was Captain Chris Phillips, awarded for his heroic role in rescuing 89 lives during a winter sea rescue.
These awards remind us of the incredible service and resilience of Merchant Navy personnel, and why the work of supporting their families, particularly through education, remains at the heart of what we do at RMNEF. Many congratulation to all the recipients.
Grants for Naval Children’s Education & Wellbeing
Greenwich Hospital has committed over £640,000 in funding for The Naval Children’s Charity, aimed at supporting educational and wellbeing programmes for children in naval families. This support complements RMNEF’s mission and highlights the broader network of charitable efforts backing maritime families’ futures.
Spotlight
Meet the Team Behind RMNEF
We’re turning the spotlight on the heart of the Foundation, how our office and the dedicated team keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Whether you’re a parent, a beneficiary, or simply someone who wants to know more about how the Foundation works, we hope this gives you an insight into the people supporting our mission every day.
Office Hours.
Our office is open Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
You can contact us via phone or email during these hours, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Meet the Team
Diana Pearson – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
At the helm of the Foundation is Diana Pearson, who leads our strategic direction and overall operations. Diana became CEO of the Royal Merchant Navy Education Foundation in January 2025, after spending more than a decade with the charity. During that time, she served as the main point of contact for beneficiary applications, working closely with families and partner charities. This hands-on experience gave her valuable insight into the needs and financial challenges beneficiaries face, knowledge that now informs her strategic leadership. As CEO, Diana’s priorities include building strong partnerships across the maritime sector and developing new ways to deliver meaningful educational support to the Foundation’s beneficiaries. Strategic yet approachable, she is committed to ensuring the Foundation continues to change children’s lives for the better. Outside of work, Diana enjoys countryside pursuits, walking her dog (a beloved member of the office team), and kitchen discos.
Louise Docherty – Finance Manager
A familiar name to many of our beneficiaries and families, Louise has been with the Foundation for over 20 years. As our Finance Manager, she’s responsible for managing financial operations, including beneficiaries one off payments and overseeing financial matters for our Foundationer’s once they are enrolled on the monthly payment scheme. Her experience and dedication are an invaluable part of what makes RMNEF reliable and trustworthy. Louise has 3 dogs, which she competes in dog agility, she also helps organise these shows.
Rose Osborn– Personal Assistant & Office Coordinator
Roses is the PA to Diana and is central to the day-to-day running of the office. She’s often your first point of contact, handling everything from general enquiries to overseeing the beneficiary application process. Roses ensures that things stay organised and that all applicants receive clear, timely support. Rose has trained as a Samaritan and is a qualified mentor. She is also a successful artist, recently most of her spare time has been spent painting for an upcoming exhibition in London.
What We Do
The RMNEF team is here to support the children of Merchant Navy and seafaring families through:
• Processing beneficiary applications
• Assessing eligibility and financial support needs
• Coordinating funding for educational resources, school fees, and additional support
• Providing continued care and contact throughout a child’s or young adults time as a Foundationer
• Ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of Foundation funds
Get in Touch
Have questions about the application process or ongoing support?
Want to speak to someone in the team?
📧 Email: office@rmnef.org.uk
📞 Phone: 01488 567890
🌐 Website: www.rmnef.org.uk
We’re always here to help!
Dates for the Diary
· National Bullying Prevention Month
· ADHD Awareness Month
· 8th October -The Annual National Service for Seafarers
· 21st October — Trafalgar Day
