Mariners' Park residents and caseworkers forge community links to support young care leavers

Nautilus Welfare Fund caseworker Ruth O'Brien has helped Mariners' Park residents forge community links with charity networks in order to support care leavers – young people who have been in the care of the local authority in foster or residential care.

Nautilus caseworkers apply for and secure state benefits and grants to which retired seafarers are entitled, but they also build relationship with local charities, and the care leaver project with residents is one such example.

Ms O'Brien said the project evolved out of meetings with local organisers of the Liverpool Care Leavers Christmas Dinner (CLCD) network.

This had resulted in 'a really positive recent collaboration' involving Nautilus Mariners' Park residents, who found out more about the project via the caseworker service and lent their support by making or donating unwanted new items to ensure that young, local care leavers who were totally alone had a festive dinner and donated presents delivered.

Following joint meetings in 2024 to explain the project and garner support from residents, Ms O'Brien arranged to co-ordinate the collection and handover of items knitted by residents and other donated items.

'We suspected the response would be positive, but it was actually quite overwhelming, and the residents have expressed an interest in supporting the project again.'

Ms O'Brien said the CLCD representatives were also surprised and impressed at the facilities provided by the Nautilus Welfare Fund for local seafarers on site.

'It was great for them to see what the Fund can offer, how resilient this group of seafarers and their dependants are, and what a massive local community contribution they are making in their retirement.'

Planning your nautical retirement?

Mariners' Park supports retired and needy seafarers and their dependants who are aged over 55. The park offers a full range of independent living properties; a bespoke supportive living accommodation building for those with care needs; and a 36-bed care home that provides 24/7 care, nursing, dementia and palliative support. 

Accommodation is available now for those maritime professionals that have served in the Merchant Navy across all sectors, including maritime pilots and crew on large yachts, as well as those who have served in the Royal Navy or on deep sea fishing trawlers.

Arrange a visit to Mariners' Park in Wallasey, UK, to talk about the retirement options or register to have your name added to the accommodation list, by emailing welfare@nautilusint.org or calling +44(0)151 346 8840. There is more information at www.nautiluswelfarefund.org

Visit the Nautilus Welfare Fund

Nautius caseworker service

Are you an ex seafarer?
Do you need help with welfare benefits or grants you may be entitled to?
Have you got housing or debt concerns?

The Nautius Welfare Fund Caseworker service is here to help you. The charity supports retired mariners and their dependants, including former Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) personnel and Merchant Navy Veterans.

Find a caseworker