Premier continue life-changing partnership with Mercy Ships
We’re proud to strengthen our partnership with Mercy Ships by appointing them as Premier Praise’s Charity of the Year, championing their life-changing work with our audience.
Together, this partnership will span radio, podcasts, magazines, social media and in-person events, helping to bring hope, healing, and restored futures to those who need it most.
Right now, access to safe and affordable surgery is one of the greatest healthcare challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa. An estimated 93% of people in the region cannot receive the essential surgical care they desperately need.
Mercy Ships steps into this gap through its fleet of the world’s largest civilian hospital ships, providing free, life-changing operations and long-term medical training.
With Premier’s national and global reach, we’re privileged to stand alongside them, mobilising prayer, generosity and awareness, and sharing the powerful stories of volunteer crew members from across the UK and around the world.
A partnership rooted in shared faith
In the UK, there are around 300 doctors for every 100,000 people. In parts of Africa, that number falls to just one. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic widened this divide even further.
Compelled by this need, Premier Praise has been working alongside Mercy Ships for many years. This year, we are delighted to elevate that partnership by designating them as Premier Praise Charity of the Year — united by one powerful conviction.
Everyone deserves access to life-changing and lifesaving medical treatment.
Mercy Ships follows the example set 2,000 years ago by Jesus Himself, bringing hope and healing to those experiencing the injustice of extreme poverty. Their volunteer crew not only carry out surgeries but also equip local healthcare professionals to strengthen national health systems for decades to come.
One of the many lives transformed is that of Armella, a young girl born with a heavy tumour that grew with her. Thanks to a free surgery performed on board by Scottish surgeon Dr Manjit Dhillon, Armella is now free from pain, able to go to school, and enjoying childhood as she should.
See more of Armella’s inspiring story in the video below!
Volunteers from the UK and across the world
Each Mercy Ships vessel is invited into host nations, where volunteers work side-by-side with local medical teams, training surgeons, mentoring nurses and building sustainable healthcare capacity.
Every year, Mercy Ships creates opportunities for 2,600 volunteers from more than 50 nations. And half of these roles aren’t medical at all- there are places for mechanics, receptionists, AV technicians, teachers, cooks and more. With 200 different roles, there is space for almost every skill and calling.
Hear from one of the volunteer crew here:
About Mercy Ships
Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has served over 55 nations, providing transformational surgeries and long-term development. More than 2.8 million people have benefited directly from its work.
Its two ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy, enable the organisation to double its impact across the continent. The Global Mercy alone includes:
- 6 operating theatres
- 200 hospital beds
- extensive outpatient facilities
- advanced training spaces for local medical professionals
Since its beginning, Mercy Ships volunteers have carried out over 122,000 surgeries, from cleft lip repair and cataract removal to orthopaedics, burns reconstruction, obstetric fistula repair and more.
Meet Armane and hear another remarkable story here
Find out more
To learn more about Mercy Ships or to get involved, email [email protected] or call 01438 727 800.
To read more of Armella’s story, and discover how you can bring hope and healing to even more children, please visit their website.
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