RMNEF Newsletter September 2025

News and Noteworthy

As the summer holidays draw to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate everyone who has managed the delicate balancing act of work, family, and school holidays. Juggling everything during the holidays can be a real challenge, and we’re incredibly proud of all the families, staff, and partner charities who have kept things running smoothly despite the pressures.

We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to all our partner charities, case workers, and referrers who continue to go the extra mile, gathering vital information, identifying those most in need, and helping us respond quickly and efficiently. Your efforts are making a real difference, not just in processing applications, but in building trust and hope with families who may be reaching out for help for the very first time.

Diana, as our CEO, has been in the thick of the summer holidays too, balancing the demands of her role at RMNEF with the needs of her own family. Now, as the summer winds down, Diana is gearing up for London International Shipping Week. The week is a fantastic opportunity to make new connections in the maritime sector and bring more attention to the needs of families in the seafaring community. https://lisw.com

Next week Diana is looking forward to attending the Maritime Charities Group, Demographics Study at Trinity House, London. Diana is particularly looking forward to learning what the research means for maritime charities and the projected changes for the UK’s seafaring community.

Attending events like this is about being present, having important conversations, stepping out of comfort zones, and learning more about the challenges and changes in the wider maritime sector. It’s a chance to bring our beneficiaries’ voices to the table, and to better connect with the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

We will be sharing reflections from both these events in our next newsletter. We would love to hear what you’ve been up to too over the summer. If you have stories, suggestions, or want to collaborate more closely with us, and/or via social media, please just drop us a line.

Spotlight

Supporting Seafaring Families Through Tough Time

As we enter this time of year, it’s no surprise that we have seen a marked increase in applications for support. The majority of these requests have been for essential items like school uniforms, laptops, and university living costs.

However, what has stood out most this summer is the sharp rise in families facing severe financial hardship, particularly within the fishing industry and the wider seafaring community. Many families are dealing with increased financial pressures, including rising living costs and fluctuating incomes. For some, the support we offer is not just helpful, it’s the vital lifeline that helps keep young people on track with their education and future.

Between the unpredictable nature of seafaring work and the increasing cost of living, it’s never been more challenging for these families to make ends meet. At the RMNEF, we understand how quickly financial stress can impact a family’s wellbeing, especially when trying to support children through their education and development. That’s why we want to take a moment in this issue to highlight some of the practical ways families can get support, manage budgets more confidently, and reduce financial stress.

Practical Budgeting Tips
Managing household finances doesn’t mean cutting back on everything, sometimes it’s about gaining a clearer picture of what’s coming in and going out. Here are a few ideas that can help:

• Managing your payment schedule – To avoid cash flow problems, try scheduling your outgoings (like standing orders and direct debits) to be paid out straight after your income has been paid in. This way, you won’t end up spending money before it’s replaced, keeping your account balance steady and reducing financial stress.
• Track spending for a month – Knowing where your money goes is the first step to finding savings. Small amounts spent daily can really add up.
• Use budgeting tools – Free apps like Goodbudget, HoneyDue and Emma Finance or even a simple spreadsheet can help set realistic monthly limits.
• Prioritise essentials – Focus spending on needs over wants during harder months. Think in terms of “must-haves” vs “nice-to-haves.”
• Meal planning – A bit of prep can save hundreds each year by avoiding last-minute or wasteful food purchases.

📞 Where to Turn for Advice
No one should feel alone in facing financial pressure. There are confidential, trustworthy services ready to help:
• Seafarers’ Advice & Information Line (SAIL) – A free, confidential advice line for anyone connected to the sea. They offer help with debt, benefits, housing, and more.
📞 Call: 0800 160 1842
🌐 Visit: www.sailine.org.uk
• Turn2Us – A useful resource for checking what benefits or grants may be available.
🌐 Visit: www.turn2us.org.uk

Dates for the Diary

·      3rd September- Merchant Navy Day
·      8th September – International Literacy Day
·      8th September – Maritime Charities Group, Future Proofing Seafarers Day
·      15th-19th September – London International Shipping Week