Stella Maris on the South Coast is recruiting volunteers in the area to staff our new Seafarers’ Club in Southampton.  We’d like you to join our team to bring to life this exciting new venture as a Volunteer Welcomer.

In Southampton and Fawley, more than 500,000 seafarers, from all parts of the globe, pass through the ports each year. Stella Maris chaplains and volunteers regularly meet crew who do not take shore leave for many weeks or months, occasionally for an entire nine-month contract.  Given the isolated and difficult nature of their job, this can have a serious effect on their well-being, so there is a pressing need to encourage seafarers to go ashore for a few hours to shop and recharge, at minimal cost to themselves.

The Seafarers’ Club is a safe and comfortable place for the exclusive use of crew from ships visiting the Ports of Southampton and Fawley, to get away for a few hours to relax, catch up with family and find out how to enjoy the city.

What is the role of a Volunteer?

The Club will be staffed by an all-volunteer welcoming team who will enable visitors to make the most of their short time ashore. As a Volunteer Welcomer, you will work in teams of two, to receive visiting seafarers into the Club, offer a friendly welcome, give practical advice on what the city has to offer and, where requested, enable access to St Joseph’s Church and chaplaincy support.

The Club will open in June 2024 and operate initially during the working day.  Opening hours will extend as volunteer numbers increase. 

Is this for me?

We are looking for volunteers who can make a regular commitment to volunteer one morning or afternoon each week on a rota basis.  The team will have additional capacity to enable time away. Training will be provided for this role, and you will be provided with a Stella Maris polo shirt/fleece to identify you. 

Stella Maris is a Catholic Charity which supports seafarers of all faiths and none.  We ask that you support our Christian values.

Get in Touch

If you would like to volunteer or learn more, please contact us by using the email or phone numbers below. We’d love to hear from you!

Gregory Hogan [email protected] 07963 345 618

Charles Stuart [email protected] 07843 739 579

Get in touch to find out more