Founded 1881 Area served United Kingdom | Founder Ebenezer Joseph Mather | |
Type Charitable organisation Registration no. England and Wales: 232822 Scotland: SC039088 Location Mather House, 4400 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Whiteley, Hampshire, PO15 7FJ | ||
Fishermen's Mission - the full name of which is The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen - is a British charitable organisation founded and run on Christian principles. The mission also welcomes the participation and support of persons of other faiths or none.
Contents
Foundation
Fishermen's Mission was founded as "the National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen" by Ebenezer Joseph Mather in 1881. Mather was disturbed by the poor conditions in which fishermen worked and lived and knew something needed to be done to help alleviate their troubles. In the 19th century fishing was notoriously dangerous with high fatality rates and the occupation remains today as one of the most dangerous. In 1896 the mission was given the royal approval by Queen Victoria adding "Royal" to the missions name. The mission helped many during World War I and World War II as scores of fisherman's trawlers were used to help merchant convoys and defence against attacks from the air and for mine sweeping.
Aims
The Fishermen's Mission aims to provide financial, emotional and pastoral support to fishermen and their families in over 70 ports and harbours throughout the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man. The Mission Centres provide showers, washing machines, accommodation, food, companionship and recreational activities (such as snooker tables and internet access). The Sir Wilfred Grenfell served in this mission until he founded a mission of his own.