I'm in Need of Support 

Everyone goes through challenging times in their lives and needs support. Sometimes it's the case that there is no-one to turn to, or that we feel more comfortable talking to someone outside our family. Here at St Oswald's there are many ways in which we can help and support you during difficult times. Please take a look below at different ways in which we can help.
 
Of course, everyone who offers support services through the church offers complete discretion and confidentiality.

Bereavement

At a difficult time of bereavement you may not know who to turn to. In the first instance please contact our Vicar, Robert, on 01923 332 244 or oswaldvicar@gmail.com for help and guidance. Further information about funeral services can also be found on our services page.

"Grave Talk"

Death, dying and funerals raise big questions that we all need to face at some point, but it’s often hard to talk about such things.
A  “GraveTalk” event gives people an opportunity
to meet others and begin that conversation.
 
The Kitchen café on Watford Road, in partnership with St Oswald’s Church, will be hosting a “GraveTalk” event
to which all are welcome.
 Thursday 8th November
7.30 for 8pm, finishing at 9pm
with The Kitchen open until 9.30.
 
More details from The Kitchen (01923 805896)
or St Oswald’s (01923 332244).

I am Anxious

If you are worried about your own or someone else’s illness or other difficulties then we can offer support in a variety of ways:
 
Prayer can be a great comfort on such occasions. On every 4th Sunday, after the 10.00 o’clock service, there is the opportunity to bring your concerns to God. Two people from our prayer ministry team will pray with or for you in a discreet area of the church. Just come along, or for further information contact Margaret Cox, 01923 460183 or margaretacox@googlemail.com.
 
If you prefer,  prayer support is also provided by our Prayer Fellowship, which is a group of church members who, in complete confidentiality, will say regular prayers on behalf, of yourself or someone you know. To add someone, or for more information, contact: Jane Brading janebrading@hotmail.com
 
As ever, if you would like to talk with someone about your worries then, in the first instance, contact our Vicar, Robert, in complete confidentiality on 01923 332 244 or oswaldvicar@gmail.com.

Child and Adult Safeguarding

If you are concerned about possible abuse – whether physical or emotional – of a child or vulnerable adult, contact one of our Safeguarding Officers for guidance:
 
Gill Thomson - 01923 226 850 or 07739 181574
Catherine Farman - 07958 365008 or 
Steve Clifford - steveclifford55@yahoo.co.uk
 
We take the matter of safeguarding extremely seriously and, in line with recommendations, all volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults undergo the appropriate checks. We have multiple reporting lines to ensure any concerns can be raised without being compromised. A comprehensive safeguarding policy is in place and is regularly reviewed. You can download our safeguarding policy here.

Other Sources of Support

We give below some local services providing help and advice independently of St Oswald’s, which you may find useful:

Citizens Advice Bureau provides help and guidance on a wide range of problems. There is a local office in Rickmansworth, situated next to Rickmansworth Library near Watersmeet Theatre. Details of opening hours and services can be found on their website  www.threeriverscab.org.uk. Drop in sessions are also held at Croxley Library on the first Tuesday of every month from 10am - 12 noon. No appointment is necessary.
 
HertsHelp supply a wide range of free, independent services, available to everyone who lives in Hertfordshire, and funded by Hertfordshire County Council, supplying local advice, information and support to make life easier. Further details are available on their website: www.hertsdirect.org/hertshelp

The Living Room is an addiction recovery charity, running two centres in Hertfordshire – one in Stevenage and one in St Albans; it deals with addictions of many kinds including drugs, gambling, alcohol, eating disorders, and self harm. Full details are on their website: www.thelivingroom.me.uk