2008-10-09 16:55:08 - This month sees Workplace Ministry in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire (WMHB) - the ecumencial body that oversees the work of workplace ministry in these two counties - launch a recruitment drive for people to serve as workplace chaplains.

Chaplains - who give up a number of days each month to visit people at work - are drawn from practising Christians, either lay or ordained, who are connected to a recognised church.

Candidates need good social skills; should enjoy meeting people; be able to listen effectively; be cheerful, and be willing to learn how an organisation works. They also

need to be able to work as part of a team and be sensitive to the many issues that arise in the workplace.

'Chaplains offer friendship and a listening ear to individuals and to organisations,' explained the head of WMHB, the Rev Michael Shaw. 'They need to be available to all, regardless of religion or race, and they support staff of any faith - and none.

'In the current economic crisis, which is affecting the lives of all of us, workplace chaplains are more important than ever,' he added.

WMHB's chaplains operate anywhere where people work but, primarily, they operate within the emergency services - in police stations, among fire and ambulance teams and so on - in the manufacturing industry; especially at Vauxhall Motors in Luton; in the ‘town centre retail' environment, and at London Luton Airport.

If you would like to volunteer to become part of the chaplaincy team, contact WMHB at 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 1HE (tel 818144) or email workplace.ministry@stalbans.anglican.org.

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Notes for Editors

About Workplace Ministry in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire (WMHB)

WMHB is an ecumenical outreach through chaplains who take Christian values into the workplace. It operates anywhere where people work.

Chaplains visit people at work on a regular basis. They offer friendship and a listening ear. They are equally available to all - regardless of religion or race - supporting staff of any faith or none.

WMHB:
• Encourages a positive connection between faith and economic life.
• Aims to provide high quality services and support to the workplace and to present workplace issues and opportunity to the Church.
• Works with other faith communities to create coordinated faith centred responses to current issues and needs.
• Provides a Christian presence that contributes to the whole of economic life in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
• Has a Christian basis, founded on the principle that Christ's love is for all people. This principle inspires, underpins and permeates WMHB's work in today's diverse society.

Further information from:

The Rev Michael Shaw, Workplace Ministry in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, 01727 818144 (Ansaphone) or email workplace.ministry@stalbans.anglican.org
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, 01727 860405, bob.little@boblittlepr.com