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For the last 160 years Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest (known to seamen and locals as the ‘Queen Vic') has offered seafarers accommodation, advice, sustenance, support and Christian caring. Seafarers from all over the world have accessed the facilities of the ‘Queen Vic' and help has been offered to all regardless of race, colour or creed. The ‘Queen Vic' is also a valuable part of the east end London community where it is based and many of the locals access its restaurant facilities, theatre activities or just pop in for a chat.
It is the only Methodist Seamen's Mission and now the largest seafaring residential programme left in the United Kingdom, however, QVSR is more than just accommodation; it endeavours to minister to seamen and non-seamen alike in the changing climate of the 21st century. With the ever changing face of the shipping industry the demographics and profile of the current ‘Queen Vic' population has changed from the transient, recurring active seafaring population that would have been prevalent back in 1843 to a more static elderly, retired seafaring population that views the ‘Queen Vic' as their home.
However, in recent times there has been an increased use of the London River, Barking Creek to Silvertown, which has re-kindled the need to provide a service that supports the welfare of active seafarers and this work is carried out in partnership with the German Seamen's Mission and the Apostleship of the Sea. |
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Although the provision of quality accommodation and support is at the foundation of what we do, we also endeavour to develop new ways to help our service users to make the most of their potential through technology and other educational and therapeutic avenues.
QVSR has set up an ‘activity centre' which will operate as a three way partnership with the German Seamen's Mission , the Apostleship of the Sea and QVSR. The facilities include international telephone access, internet access, lounge facilities with TV and DVD, refreshments and recreational facilities such as pool, table football, darts, etc. |
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