Focus on Mariners' Park: never too late to plan your nautical retirement!

Working British seafarers may feel that swallowing the anchor is sometime off, but whether you are years off retiring or are already considering your options in the next few years, why not consider putting your name down now for accommodation at Nautilus Mariners' Park Estate in the UK.

Located in the northwest of England, on the banks of the River Mersey in Wallasey, Mariners' Park is set in 16 acres of idyllic parkland with stunning views of the skyline. It is also a unique place to live, where former seafarers can share memories and camaraderie in their retirement years with others who have experienced life at sea.

Why retire at Mariners' Park?

Founded some 160 years ago, Mariners' Park Estate now forms part of the care and support services provided by the Nautilus Welfare Fund − a registered charity administered by Nautilus International.

The Fund offers a range of specialist services to support retired seafarers and their dependants in need. That includes a variety of independent living accommodation, a care home and home care services.

The Estate currently comprises 123 homes − including apartments, bungalows and houses, and a 36-bedroom care home. Both one and two bedrooms are also currently available, so it is worth contacting staff now for a tour if you are considering a UK retirement plan.

The park promotes independent living, and if you require care, you can be supported in your own home, while the care home onsite offers a higher level of support. All accommodation comes fitted with a community alarm system, and emergency support is available 24 hours a day.

Who is eligible?

You will be part of a community that looks after one another, and retired seafarers who served at any rank are eligible to apply to live at the Park. You just have to demonstrate a substantial career at sea. We also consider applications from widowed applicants whose spouse was at sea.

Residents enjoy regular social events and can access a home care service to help with shopping, cleaning and other needs. Facilities available to residents include communal social areas, a laundry, a hairdresser's salon, a gym and a games room.

Living at the Park

What former Union members and other residents interviewed who have lived at the park long-term and more recently appreciate most about living at the Park:

• 'similar life experiences with many other former mariners'
• 'secure living accommodation'
• 'peace of mind that all needs are met on one site'
• 'staff always on hand, and support for a seamless move onto the park'
• 'help with bills, benefits when required'
• 'excellent reputation'
• 'events and activities are always going on'

Image: An aerial view of Mariners' Park/ Brad Wakefield

Visit the Nautilus Welfare Fund Find out more about Mariners' Park

A snapshot of members living at the park interviewed describe how the sense of community at the park is much admired: 'You can go to the administration desk anytime you need help, and even knock on neighbors' doors when required. Everyone helps each other,' commented one resident.

They also appreciate the sense of safety and security, the good variety of facilities such as a snooker room and bowling green, and the 'great communication' with the teams who work on the Park.

Now the residents want to spread the word to their maritime peer groups and encourage more mariners to retire there with them.

To arrange a visit to Mariners' Park, talk about the options or register to have your name added to the accommodation list, email welfare@nautilusint.org or call 00 44 151 346 8840. There is more information at www.nautiluswelfarefund.org.