Caithness area officer crosses the Pentland Firth for the Fishermen’s Mission

The Caithness area officer for the Fishermen's Mission charity is extending her reach across the choppy waters of the Pentland Firth to cover Orkney as well.

Jackie Dodds has been in her Scrabster-based post since August 2019 and been helping local fishermen, active and retired, and their families with various forms of support.

"Within Caithness and Orkney, I would like to be in touch with as many fishermen or former fishermen as possible," said Jackie.

"Both areas are rich in fishing heritage, and within the local community, we have a large number of former fishermen and their dependents. It might be, especially if they are struggling, that they would benefit from contact with me at the Fishermen’s Mission. If anyone would like to chat about their circumstances or indeed if they just want to ring up to find out more about what I do, I would be delighted to hear from them."

The Fishermen’s Mission was established in 1881 by Ebenezer Mather and is the only UK based charity providing support to active, retired fishermen and their families. From an underpinning of Christian values, the charity provides 24/7 emergency response for accidents and illnesses at sea. It can provide emergency financial support for food, clothing, accommodation, transport, basic mobile phones (in the event fishermen need to make contact with relatives) and top-ups.

Jackie added: "We work alongside our dedicated charities, and can apply for emergency or regular grants to help low-income fishermen and their dependents at a time when they most need help. Like all charities there may be certain criteria to be met but we are there to help with the paperwork. We offer pastoral care, conduct funerals and weddings and work along with a number of other partners to be actively involved in key issues such as working conditions in the fishing industry and national safety initiatives."

Jackie said she is delighted to be now covering the Orkney Islands and is getting her "sea legs" as she journeys across the Pentland Firth. With the current cost-of-living crisis, she says there will be many in the area struggling financially and she hopes she can signpost them in the right direction.

If you would like to contact Jackie she can be telephoned on 07774 116 386 or send her an email at: jackiedodds@fishermensmission.org.uk

Her working hours are 8am to 4.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

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