A WELFARE hub at the Liverpool Seafarers Centre has been praised for its practical and emotional support for more than 55,000 cruise-ship crew members arriving at the Liverpool Cruise Terminal over the summer season. Ninety-seven vessels docked at the terminal.

Maritime workers face unique challenges, the seafarers’ charity says: months at sea, sometimes with harsh conditions, can take its toll on their mental health. Its hubs seek to offer a supportive environment in which crews can unwind, connect with their families, and have access to comforts and services.

Refreshments, food parcels, complimentary WiFi, free minibus transport to the city, chaplaincy, and currency-exchange services are made available. Ship visits can prove invaluable, the charity says, when turnaround time is limited. “We are delighted with the success of the Crew Welfare Hub,” the deputy manager at the Liverpool Seafarers Centre, Kinga Davies, said.

“It has become a vital resource for visiting crew, offering a much needed respite from the demands of life at sea. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff and volunteers for their invaluable support in making this service possible for seafarers.”

The charity works in collaboration with the terminal. It is a member of the International Christian Maritime Association.

“In today’s world, getting connected to an uninterrupted data service is most important for seafarers when they are at port,” writes the master of MV Royal, Mr R. V. Borie, in what he calls a “heartfelt testimonial” from himself and his crew. He praises in particular a service enabling the ordering and prompt delivery of SIM cards in advance of arrival.

“Your centre is like the ‘lighthouse which guides the ships’, meaning you and your volunteers are guiding the seafarers to their shore leave in a well organised manner,” he said. “It gives a warm welcome to the seafarers . . . the complete ‘homely’ vibe which a seafarer always longs for.”