A charity which supports fishermen and their families is visiting Alderney and Guernsey this week.
Hayley Hamlett is the area representative for The Fishermen’s Mission which offer emotional, practical, and financial support to current and past fishermen.
She’ll be in Alderney at the Harbour Office from 11:00 on Tuesday 21 April and at Guernsey’s Yacht Club on Wednesday 22 April between midday and 15:00.
Ms Hamlett has previously told Express that she knows fishermen in the Bailiwick are struggling with the effects of the octopus bloom that has been blamed for a rapid decline in lobster and crab catches.
Alderney’s last commercial fishing vessel was sold last year and although no recent figures are available, data for 2023 showed that the number of professional fishermen working in Guernsey had more than halved in less than a decade.
With The Fishermen’s Mission looking to help former fishermen as well as those currently working, Ms Hamlett is hoping to meet some in each island this week.
This is the first time The Fishermen’s Mission has made a physical visit to Alderney after bad weather prevented Ms Hamlett from travelling over last year.
She said her visit offers a “valuable opportunity (for fishermen) to learn more about the wide range of support available”.
“While you may not feel you need assistance right now, none of us can predict what the future holds,” she said. “Simply being aware of the support available can make all the difference should circumstances change.”
Ms Hamlett will be at the Alderney Harbour Office from 11:00 on Tuesday 21 April
She will be able to share a short presentation with fishermen and their families about what The Fishermen’s Mission offers which includes:
- Grants for domestic appliances
- Educational support
- Help with debts
- Cost of living assistance
- Bespoke support tailored to individual needs
Those eligible for the support include people who have been a fisherman, are the child of a fisherman, or are the widow of a fisherman.
“I will be on the island all day and will be giving a short presentation explaining more about what we can offer. There is absolutely no obligation, and if anyone would prefer to speak privately, I would be very happy to do so.
“Please do come along and find out more — you never know when the information might prove invaluable.”
Ms Hamlett will also be making a return visit to Guernsey, where she’ll be based at The Guernsey Yacht Club on Wednesday 22 April between midday and 15:00.
Although she has already made contact with many fishermen in Guernsey Ms Hamlett is aware there will be others she does not yet know.
“Guernsey was once home to a huge fishing fleet,” she said. “Somewhere on the island today are former fishermen of all ages — many of whom may not be aware of the support available to them and their families through The Fishermen’s Mission.
“Please do come along and meet me to find out more about the work we do and how we may be able to help. By attending, you can also help us reach those families who may not yet know that support is available.
“If you’re reading this and know a former fisherman, a fisherman’s family member, or a widow of a fisherman, please encourage them to come and say hello.”