Stella Maris Opens in Southampton UK
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A home away from home best describes the new Stella Maris Southampton Seafarers\u2019 Club which was officially opened on 26th November.<\/p>\n
The launch kicked off with a Blessing by Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth Roman Catholic Diocese. Later in the day, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held with representatives from the various funders of the project: the Seamen\u2019s Friendly Society of St Paul, the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, The Seafarers\u2019 Charity, and Mission to Seafarers (as well as Stella Maris itself).<\/p>\n
Set up by global maritime charity Stella Maris, with support from funders and other maritime welfare charities, the Seafarers\u2019 Club offers crew from ships visiting the port of Southampton a safe haven and respite from their busy routines.<\/p>\n
The facilities in the Seafarers\u2019 Club include: free Wi-Fi, free hot beverages, a television, and board games, giving seafarers the chance to catch-up with family and to unwind.<\/p>\n
Crew can also spend their time ashore visiting nearby shops, food outlets, supermarkets and bureaux de change, all within a few minutes\u2019 walk of the Seafarers\u2019 Club.<\/p>\n
St. Joseph’s Church, located next door to the Club, offers those in need of spiritual nourishment a space for quiet prayer and reflection.<\/p>\n
Tim Hill, Stella Maris CEO and National Director said, \u201cThe opening of this Seafarers\u2019 Club is an extension of our mission to provide care, community, and comfort to those who work at sea.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thank everyone who has made the new Seafarers\u2019 Club possible, including funders, parishes, volunteers, our sister welfare charities, and the wider community, for their generosity and commitment to serving seafarers. \u00a0This is a collaborative venture with other charities, and we\u2019re strengthened by their co-operation in making the Club a success.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s our aspiration that the Seafarers\u2019 Club will become a beacon of hope and a source of strength for seafarers,\u201d he added. \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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