Deputy First Minister of Wales visits Dentaid’s work with fishing communities
The Deputy First Minister of Wales has seen how Dentaid supports fishing communities with their oral health during a visit to one of our charity dental clinics in Swansea.
Huw Irranca-Davies MS went on board our mobile dental unit on Thursday 19th February, where volunteer clinicians gave free dental treatments and advice to seafarers in the city’s Maritime Quarter.
The clinic was part of the Stronger at Sea project, part of the Seafit initiative, which is designed to improve the mental and physical health of fishermen and women across the UK.
Run by the Fisherman’s Mission and the Seafarers Hospital Society, SeaFit provides a range of free medical services to seafarers and their dependents, including NHS health checks, physiotherapy appointments, access to mental health and wellbeing support and links to healthy lifestyle advisors in coastal communities.
Dentaid’s mobile dental units travel to harbours and quaysides across Wales and throughout the United Kingdom to provide care to fishermen and their families. This allows them to get support without the need for lengthy travel and in the places where they work.
Those in fishing communities can struggle to see a dentist, as the need to follow the fishing season and earn a living takes precedence over pre-booked appointments made months in advance. With many based in some of the most deprived coastal areas of the UK, high demand for healthcare services in these regions means fishermen and their families may face long waits to see a dental professional.
Huw Irranca-Davies said: “It’s great to see the range of services available at the Swansea SeaFit event today.
“Our fishing communities work hard in challenging conditions and this partnership brings essential healthcare directly to where fishermen work.
“Prevention and early care are vital to keeping people healthy and in work and I’m very pleased to see this approach reaching those who have traditionally found it hardest to access services.”
More information about Dentaid’s work in fishing communities can be found here.