As the holiday season approaches, seafarers around the globe face the challenge of being far from home while working tirelessly to ensure goods and passengers arrive safely.
This separation often leads to heightened stress and anxiety, particularly during the holidays. Shopping, a proven stress reliever and a vital connection to normality, remains inaccessible to many due to the prohibitive cost of transport from ports to shopping areas.
Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS), a leading provider of maritime mental health services and part of the global well-being network OneCare Group, emphasises the importance of shopping therapy as a vital outlet for seafarers to combat feelings of isolation and stress.
Charles Watkins, CEO of MHSS and a clinical psychologist, said: “Shopping is not a luxury – it is essential for relieving stress and maintaining mental health, particularly during the holidays when isolation and homesickness are most acute. Yet the financial barriers to something as simple as a trip to a shopping mall when in port remain insurmountable for many.”
Fortunately, innovative solutions are appearing on the market. Nautical Miles Club, a lifestyle rewards app for the maritime community, has partnered with leading brands and local businesses globally to offer discounts, perks, and free and subsidised transport from ports.
“We cannot ignore the sacrifices seafarers make to keep the global economy moving, particularly during the festive season,” said Orel Federman, founder and CEO of Nautical Miles Club. “Our mission is to give back to the community by connecting businesses and stakeholders to the seafarers, ensuring that they can enjoy the destinations that they are visiting through shopping, attractions, and sightseeing.”
Industry leaders are also recognising the critical role of shopping access in improving shore leave conditions. Capt Faouzi Fradi, Managing Director of Maritime HR, part of Columbia Group, highlighted how limited time ashore impacts seafarers’ mental health and well-being, emphasising that access to shopping and other recreational activities can make a significant difference in reducing stress and promoting overall welfare.
As the global economy continues to rely on the resilience and dedication of seafarers, initiatives like these serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting the mental health and overall well-being of the people who keep the world’s supply chains moving. Said MHSS’s Charles Watkins: “Something as basic as being able to shop during the holidays is incredibly important for seafarer mental health and it is great to see practical solutions.”
Nautical Miles Club has provided a referral code (NMCXMS) for seafarers and maritime professionals to join the Nautical Miles club by downloading the app and using NMCXMS to register.
Source: Health Support Solutions
