Liverpool Seafarers Centre (LSC) received further recognition of its vital work with the Positive Impact Award at the Mersey Maritime Industry Awards 2020.

 

John Wilson, the LSC chief executive, collected the award at the event at St George’s Hall, Liverpool on 6 March, the centre earning the prize ahead of fellow nominees Jubilee Sailing and Nautilus International Welfare Fund.

 

It was reward for having fulfilled the remit of bringing about ‘positive measurable change, whether to the lives or living conditions of individuals, the community or in terms of projects that are changing perceptions about the industry.’

 

Liverpool Seafarers Centre is a partnership between Apostleship of the Sea (Liverpool) and the Mersey Mission to Seafarers with roots dating back to the 19th century. In September 2019, it was named as the world’s best seafarer centre at the International Seafarer Welfare Awards (ISWAN).

 

Of this latest honour, Wilson said: ‘We’re delighted with this award in recognition of everything we do, because it has been awarded by the maritime industry the centre serves.’

 

LSC’s work involves visiting vessels to integrate with the crew, offering a listening ear to help combat isolation and loneliness, and providing places ashore for seafarers to relax. The Crosby-based charity sees thousands of seafarers every year and Wilson explained: ‘We offer practical and emotional support on a daily basis to the crews that dock in Liverpool and the surrounding area, whether it be by going on board the ships or inviting seafarers into our centres in Liverpool and Eastham.’