Nautilus maritime caseworker service receives grant funding to continue vital operations

Award-winning Tyne and Wear caseworker Gwen Rayner has worked on a couple of cases that highlight the complex range of interventions needed to help seafarers access housing, care services, and benefits they are entitled to. In one case, a retired seafarer in poor health was housebound due to mobility access issues. Gwen helped him safely use a mobility scooter and wheelchair, arranged for housing of mobility equipment, and secured permission from the local authority to drop kerbs for safe access to pavements and roads. This intervention greatly improved the man’s mental wellbeing and quality of life, with the couple describing it as ‘life changing’.

In another case, a female client with deteriorating health received assistance with care and financial assessments. Gwen explained the assessment process, legal obligations, and client rights in depth, ensuring the client received suitable care support and appropriate accommodation. Ongoing support from the caseworker is still in place to ensure the client’s needs are met. These interventions showcase the dedication and expertise required to navigate the complex systems and services necessary to support seafarers in accessing essential care and benefits.

Gwen Rayner’s exceptional work was recognized when she received the Lord Lewin Award for outstanding service to the community from the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society in October 2023. Her interventions have made a significant impact on the lives of seafarers in Tyne and Wear, demonstrating the importance of skilled caseworkers in helping individuals access the support and services they need during retirement. The cases she has worked on illustrate the challenges faced by seafarers and the positive outcomes that can be achieved through dedicated and comprehensive interventions.

Source .