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It has been a busy couple of months for the Nautilus Welfare Fund, the charity which provides accommodation and care services for retired mariners at Mariners' Park in Wallasey, plus caseworker support for other seafarers. Nautilus welfare services manager Mick Howarth reports on recent developments and plans for the future
With perfect timing on the Day of the Seafarer, 25 June 2021, Maritime Minister Robert Courts visited Mariners' Park. Despite the pouring rain, he toured the Park and was able to meet residents from the Care Home and also those who live in the independent living accommodation. You can read more about this special visit in the August 2021 issue of Telegraph.
Another significant date, 19 July, saw the end of all the legal restrictions on gatherings and social distancing across England. For residents at Mariners' Park this has meant that the numbers who can attend outdoor and indoor activities is no longer restricted, and, importantly any number of family and friends can now visit.
On the horizon
There is an important development planned for the Mariners' Park Residential and Nursing Home.
The Mersey View lounge is to be converted to provide four extra ensuite bedrooms, increasing the number of needy mariners who can be supported at the Care Home from 32 to 36.
It is planned that work on the conversion, which will also include a new kitchen area for residents in the Jubilee lounge, will start later this year.
Caseworker update
In other positive news, appointments have been made for the new caseworker posts in Cardiff and Tyne and Wear.
This expands the service from 4 to 6 caseworkers and will help ensure more mariners receive the welfare benefits they are entitled to, plus supporting them in accessing other health, housing and social care provision that can enhance their independence.
In more caseworker news. Laura Molineux, the caseworker at Mariners', Park has moved to a new role with Nautilus International . She is replaced by Ruth O'Brien who started on 9 August 2021.
Tales from Mariners' Park
August also sees the publication of a fascinating new book, 'Tales from Mariners' Park'. Written by residents at the Park, the book brings together reflections and anecdotes (often very amusing) of residents' experience of life at sea and ashore.
The book has many great photos and fascinating facts. Did you know, for example, that the word 'Quarantine' comes from the Italian 'quarantagiorni' meaning 40 days?
Flying the Red Ensign
Looking ahead: 3 September is Merchant Navy Day, and Mariners' Park will be supporting the Fly the Red Ensign campaign.
At 11am that day there will be a service at Mariners' Park to celebrate the role of the Merchant Navy; and at 2pm the Port Sunlight Sea Dogs will be providing musical entertainment at the Park. All mariners and their families are welcome to attend. We would be delighted to see you.
If you would like to know more about the support the Nautilus Welfare Fund can provide, visit www.nautiluswelfarefund.org.uk or call 0151 346 8840.
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