The Website for St George’s Church, Waterlooville and its Parish Magazine St George’s News
July 2025 -MISSION TO SEAFARERS
In 1836, the Revd John Ashley established the Bristol Channel Mission after being struck by the loneliness and spiritual needs of Seafarers. Following his example, a number of Anglican ministries followed suit, and in 1856 they decided to set up an organisation. The Mission to Seamen – as it was known then – was made a missionary society of the Anglican Communion and its work grew in line with the rapidly expanding British maritime empire.
In 2000, the name was changed to The Mission to Seafarers to reflect its role as a society that cares for all seafarers, regardless of gender.
Collectively there are an estimated 1.89m seafarers across the world operating on 74,000 ships. These men and women of all nationalities, spend up to nine months at sea, far from families, friends and loved ones.
With a history dating back to 1836, The Mission to Seafarers supports the men and women working at sea when they need us most, as they experience loneliness and mental health issues, combined with limited access to internet onboard ships. They run Seafarers Centres at over 200 ports in 50 countries, operating day and night, 365 days a year.
The Mission to Seafarers is here to support the men and women working at sea when they need us most.
August 2025 - BRITISH RED CROSS
For the last 150 years, the British Red Cross has been here for humanity. The British Red Cross helps millions of people in the UK and 190 countries around the world get the support they need when disaster strikes. Together, we are the world's emergency responders.
Emergencies can strike at any time and anywhere. The British Red Cross can be there to give support to anyone affected. It provides the people, equipment, space and resources to support those affected by an emergency, helping them to recover. Whether it is a fire in a family home or a large-scale national emergency, you can depend on the British Red Cross 24/7.
The British Red Cross has the scale, expertise and equipment to provide a co-ordinated large-scale response with quick and robust support.
To compensate for the lack of facilities available, all of the Seafarers Centres aim to provide Seafarers with:
• Access to WiFi Internet and SIM cards
• A comfortable place to rest and relax
• The chance to get food and toiletries
• Transport to shops and local amenities
And it’s not just practical support the Mission offers. We know that seafarers need emotional and frequently spiritual support too.
That’s why they have a large network of ordained Port Chaplains who come on board ships, giving seafarers a listening ear and offering prayer, if needed. They can also connect seafarers to other organisations, or speak to them on their behalf.
Its mission is to care for the shipping industry’s most important asset: its people.
The nearest Port to us with a Seafarers Centre is Southampton
The British Red Cross has thousands of trained emergency response volunteers across the UK ready to provide practical and emotional support at a moment’s notice. For example, its volunteers can set up rest centres for those having to leave their homes for safety because of flooding, fire or bad weather.
The volunteers are backed by a fleet of 4x4 vehicles, ready to tackle the toughest conditions. Some British Red Cross communications vehicles are equipped with the latest technology. There is also an extensive fleet of modern, safe ambulances regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
In a major emergency, the Red Cross can set up a support line within four hours and run it for as long as needed. This was done following the London bombings in 2007, the Manchester Arena, London Bridge and Borough Market terrorism attacks and the Grenfell Tower fire.
September 2025 - ROWANS HOSPICE
We are your local Hospice. providing free care and support to adults in our community who have a life-limiting illness and their families.
Many people think that hospices are all about dying. But through our many different services, we support people to live as well as they can with their illness. From the moment of diagnosis through to bereavement support.
Wherever possible, we believe in giving people control over the care and treatment they receive, including where they would like to be cared for. To this end we offer a Hospice at Home service for those who would prefer to receive Hospice care within the comfort of their own home, surrounded by family, friends and often beloved pets.
Hospice Care at Home is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a combination of planned and responsive visits. This provides nursing care that is at the same level to that experienced by patients who are admitted to Rowans Hospice in-patient unit.
Many people are very surprised when they find out that we are a charity because all of our care is delivered free. 90% of our income is generated by legacies, donations, fundraising and our retail shops.
We know that it is only possible to provide the support and care that we do through the ongoing support of you: our local community.
