Founded in 1856
Launch
Liverpool’s seafarer outreach work dates back to the 19th century through the Anglican Mersey Mission to Seafarers which was founded in 1856.
1937
Catholic Apostleship Of The Sea
As demand grew the Catholic Apostleship of the Sea (Liverpool) was founded in 1937.
1970s & 1980s
Overcoming Religious Divisions
Liverpool Bishops John Worlock and David Sheppard work tirelessly to overcome religious divisions between the Catholic and Anglican communities in Liverpool during the 1970s and 1980s.
2006
Liverpool Seafarers Centre
Liverpool Seafarers Centre (LSC) as we know it today is the result of a successful partnership between the Anglican Mersey Mission to Seafarers and the Catholic Apostleship of the Sea (Liverpool). The merger followed in the footsteps of Bishops Worlock and Sheppard and their work for greater unity.
2008
LSC Formed
Although LSC initially began work in 2006, it was officially formed on Oct 01, 2008. The Mersey Mission and Apostleship had previously worked in competition with one another, running small satellite centres including operations in Runcorn, Birkenhead and Salford. The formation of LSC enabled the two organisations to dovetail and pool resources creating a more efficient and coordinated seafarer outreach program for the city and betterment of visiting seafarers.
2009
Streamlining Operations
Initial activity involved streamlining the entire operation, cutting waste and removing duplicate services existing between the Mersey Mission and Apostleship. This in turn helped to free up resource.
2010
Welfare Programme
LSC appointed one central headquarters at Colonsay House in Crosby, Merseyside, in order to direct the seafarer welfare support programme. Work centred around on-board visits. The seafarers benefitted immediately because the support process was simplified.
2017
LSC Eastham
LSC opens new hub at Eastham on the Wirral. The new £40,000 centre is located at Queen Elizabeth II Dock working in partnership with the Crosby headquarters. It has been supported by donations from Essar’s Stanlow oil refinery in Ellesmere Port, Peel Ports, the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, proceeds from Mersey River Pilots raffle and the Mersey Maritime Industry Awards raffle, the Voluntary Aid Club Dinner and The Phoebe Wortley Charitable Trust.
2017
Secure Permissions
LSC secures permission from Peel Ports to allow a voluntary levy to be applied to shipping lines coming into the Mersey Ports from October 2017, in line with the recommendations of the Maritime Labour Convention, MLC 2006. The voluntary levy applies to all shipping lines operating in the Port of Liverpool and Manchester Ship Canal to help fund welfare support for all their crew members.
2018
Liverpool Cruise Terminal
LSC strikes deal to open special base at Liverpool Cruise Terminal. The agreement with Liverpool City Council, and the cruise terminal, allows LSC to operate a support centre from a converted shipping container, donated by the Maersk shipping line positioned on the terminal near Princes Parade.
2019
Our work today
Today LSC delivers a front-line service offering support to 50,000 seafarers passing through the Port of Liverpool each year. LSC’s mission remains firmly focused on providing ‘a lifeline’ to seafarers, both active and retired, offering a safe and secure place to rest and also receive practical and emotional support.
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