Health scheme for fishermen extended

The Bridlington-based fishermen’s health trainer project was launched last summer and offers basic health checks at the harbour.

It aims to address the specific needs and common ailments of fishermen, who work in a hazardous and isolated profession but are often reluctant to seek medical advice.

These can include high blood pressure, stress, fatigue and physical injuries, all often made worse by drinking and smoking.

More than 70 fishermen, raning from young men of 18 to retired 76-year-olds, have used the service and it is now hoped the trainers can reach many of the 250 men working between Flamborough and Spurn Point, following the funding award from the Marine Management Organisation and the Seamen’s Hospital Society.

Service manager Natalie Belt said: “One thing we do find is that a lot of the fishermen have not made regular visits to their GP and in some cases for more the 20 years.

“We have found over the last 12 months by engaging with them we can direct them back into accessing health support by the professionals and so they can then begin to start looking after themselves once again.”

She said of the profession: “It’s a long, tiresome job that takes hard work and determination, Fishermen often spend 14 hours at sea, working in rough, cold, choppy conditions and if they don’t work they don’t get paid and so this is an added pressure which once again keeps them from looking after themselves in a way that they should.”

She added: “We will also be working down the coast and looking to support those fishermen in Hornsea and Withernsea also throughout this second phase.”

The scheme will continue until July 2013.