Nub news gets UP CLOSE with senior superintendent Tim Jenkins, missionary officer for East Anglia for the Fishermen's Mission, who talks about his work with the charity in Felixstowe.

Recent events surrounding the pandemic and Brexit has highlighted the importance of fishermen to our nation.

It is a tough enough job at the best of times and for many it is getting even harder as they battle not just the elements but fishing quotas, the French, industry insecurity and rising debt.

Described by the Fishermen's Mission as the UK's toughest and most dangerous peacetime occupation, crews constantly face death and injury with an average of 15 fishermen killed or seriously injured every year.

There are also 50,000 retired fishermen and their families, and while for them the fishing may have ended but the hardship continues as they face debt, scant savings, loneliness and isolation.

The Fishermen's Mission is the only fishermen's charity that provides emergency support alongside practical, financial, spiritual and emotional care. and that help all fishermen, active or retired, and their families, and they have done for 140 years.

Felixstowe Ferry

Tim Jenkins has been with the charity for the past 14 years and has been how the fishing industry has suffered.

Based in East Anglia he is a regular at the fishing hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry and understands the woes and perils of this small community. He recently played big part in bringing Dentaid to Felixstowe, offering free dentist treatment to fishermen and their families, in conjunction withe Seafit programme.

At the time, the mission organised a mobile vaccination van. and other health agencies were on hand to serve

Tim said: "Here in Felixstowe they have suffered their own share of loss and have suffered grief, so to be able to stand with them during that has been an honour and privilege.

"They have lost fishing boats and there few younger guys coming through. They have had to change and adapt, which is incredible.

"The way they record their catch with the MMO (Marine Management Organisation) has changed. The price of catch has not gone up in my 14 years, whereas everything has gone up."

The Fishermen's Mission stays out of politics but Tim understands how issues of the day can bring out strong feelings.

"We stay neutral and we will listen to what the guys say to us," said Tim. "If there is an injustice then we will try and deal with it but politically we stay out of that."

Tangible and pastoral support

While the pastoral rule is vital, Tim offers more than just a sympathetic ear though, with practical and tangible support

This includes:

Support with problems including debt, sickness and bereavement.

Looking after the survivors of fishing emergencies and accidents and providing assistance to families of fishermen killed or lost at sea.

Emergency grants to pay bills, buy food and keeping fishermen and their families housed, all year round.

Tim said: "We are here to celebrate the good times, but also to help them through the tough times too.

"We can offer grants and assistance to retired and current fishermen, if that is appropriate.

"It is great to work alongside these guys that work incredible hours and so hard, to be able to support them when they are in need."

In 1881, the Fishermen's Mission (also known as the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen – RNMDSF) began its work by going out in a fleet of boats under the banner of 'Preach the Word, Heal the Sick' offering food and medical supplies.

Tim said: "It started off going out on ships to offer support to the fishing fleets. Doctors and nurses would be onboard to treat injured fishermen because back then there were no lifeboats or helicopters to get out to where they were.

"As times developed we moved ashore and we have centres and welfare officers covering the areas.

"We have always adapted, as the past 18 months have shown That has meant working more from home, helping the guys over the phone or online."

Faith in the fishing world

After being a support worker, and before that working in mental health helping people with learning difficulties and also the homeless, Tim joined the Fishermen's Mission and learnt a new way of life, while being able to stay true to his faith.

Tim said: "I knew nothing about the fishing industry before joining the mission. I have always worked with people, but this has given me the opportunity to combine my Christian faith with my love of working with people.

"I could not do this work without my Christian faith but we don't ram Christianity down the guys throats, if I tried I know I would be chucked overboard sooner than later. But they know we are there for them and they know we will quietly pray for them if they want us to.

"They know there is someone there for them and that support has been invaluable."

Go to theFishermen's Mission website here.

Felixstowe fishermen thank Seafit support.