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Active and retired fishermen, along with their families and bereaved partners of fishers, will all be able to get free dental and health check-ups next week.
The Fishermen’s Mission, which looks after the welfare of fishing communities, is holding Jersey’s first 'SeaFit' event.
A van providing dental checks and treatments will be in attendance at the event on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 September at the Fish Quay at La Collette from 10:00-16:00.
There is no need to book in advance and the charity is offering services ranging from a check-up to mouth cancer screenings and tooth removals.
SeaFit is a collaboration between the Fishermen’s Mission and the Seafarers Hospital Society, bringing physical and mental health services to fishing communities.
"Fishermen find it particularly difficult to get dental treatment," Hayley Hamlett, the charity’s mission area officer for South East England and the Channel Islands, said.
"If the weather is really good, they have got to fish."
In recent years, catches have been lower due to increased restrictions on fishing, she explained. This therefore creates additional financial strain on the fishing community.
Hayley added that the charity offered support ranging from putting people in touch with one another to stave off loneliness as well as financial support.
For retired fishermen, loneliness "is a continual issue," she explained.
"If somebody’s been at sea fishing for most of their adult life, and they had to retire due to age or monetary reasons, they will miss the sea.
"The sea will call them – it’s like oxygen."
Anyone with questions about the event or the Fishermen’s Mission can contact Hayley at HayleyHamlett@fishermensmission.org.uk or 07827 965243.
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