PRESS INFORMATION ISSUED ON BEHALF OF:

Workplace Matters

Holywell Lodge, 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1HE

Tel: 01727 818144

http://www.workplacematters.org.uk


5th August 2013

Workplace Matters searches for Hillingdon-based Waterways Chaplains

Workplace Matters (WM), an ecumenical charity which takes Christian values into the workplace, is experiencing such a surge in demand for its resources that it’s looking to recruit more part-time, lay and ordained chaplains – especially for its Waterways Chaplaincy ministry in the Hillingdon area.

Jenny Dibsdall, WM’s Senior Waterways Chaplain, explained: “Waterways chaplaincy is a relatively new venture for WM – beginning some four and a half years ago – but the current 20 or so strong team of waterways chaplains is making an appreciable, positive difference to those whose lives are connected with the canals and rivers in this area.

“Life on and around the waterways is no different from life anywhere else,” she added, “The problems and issues people face – especially those related to drink and drugs - are the same on the waterways as everywhere else.”

From 9th August, Jenny is beginning the waterways chaplaincy work on the Grand Union Canal around Uxbridge by visiting The Tollhouse Tea Rooms, at Cowley Lock, off Iver Lane, from 10.30am to 1pm on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Ian Maclennan, who runs The Tea Rooms, has agreed to this on a trial basis.

“I’m looking for volunteers who’d be interested in becoming waterways chaplains in this area,” said Jenny. “Candidates need good social skills; should enjoy meeting people; be able to listen effectively; be cheerful; be sensitive to the many issues that will arise; enjoy being ‘out and about’ around the canal in all weathers - and need to be able to work as part of a team.”

Waterways chaplains – who give up a number of days each month to walk an area of towpath and get to know the people there - are drawn from practising Christians, either lay or ordained, who’re connected with a recognised church.

“Chaplains offer friendship and a listening ear to individuals and to organisations,” explained WM’s Chief Executive, the Rev Dr John Scott. “They need to be available to, and provide support for, all - regardless of religion or race.”

He added: “We believe that our chaplains supply a unique personal level of support that’s impossible to get anywhere else. WM networks with a range of faith groups and networks and recognises that faith is deeply entwined with every aspect of community and working life.”

As the Waterways Chaplaincy has developed both its contacts among both those living on the waterways and with various officials, it’s developed its expertise and experience in being able to help both waterways’ residents and officialdom.

Since it began supplying waterways chaplains, WM has helped waterways users tackle social and moral issues. Among other things, it has helped resolve long-running tangles between boaters and ‘officialdom’ and has also seen suicide rates fall.

If you’d like to volunteer to become part of the chaplaincy team, contact WM at 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 1HE (tel 01727 818144) or email workplacematters@stalbans.anglican.org