Welfare at Merton is provided by the Chaplain, Welfare Advisor, Welfare Deans and College Nurse, and each is very happy to meet with all students on a one-to-one basis with respect to any issue at any time.
Simon Jones, the Chaplain
In most, if not all welfare-related issues, Simon Jones is the person you want to talk to. In addition to coordinating welfare at Merton, he also chairs the College’s Student Support Committee, making him the ideal person to talk to if you find yourself facing financial hardship.
Simon’s professional code means that he, unlike other members of the college welfare team, is never legally obliged to talk to anyone about issues brought to him, regardless of their nature or severity. His role as chaplain does not overlap or affect his role in welfare as students of all faiths and non-faiths find him to be sympathetic, knowledgeable, non-judgmental, and extremely helpful.
I’m happy to provide confidential welfare support and advice to any student on any matter. I’m also the first port of call for students who find themselves in financial difficulty. I have experience of providing welfare support to a wide variety of people in different contexts. Do feel free to get in touch if you have anything you wish to discuss in confidence, or are considering making an application for hardship funds. There is no need to make an appointment. I’m available most days (including weekends) during term time. Feel free to call around, or contact me by ‘phone or email.
Simon Jones, Chaplain
Medical Issues
The College Nurse, Sarah Sobo, holds a general surgery from 0th to 9th weeks of term to offer medical help and welfare support to all members of College. To make an appointment please email: merton.nurse2@nhs.net.
The College Doctor, Dr Laurence Leaver, and his partners Dr Mark O’Shea and Dr Joanna Lambert have their surgery at the Jericho Health Centre, New Radcliffe House, Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6NW. Surgery hours are 8:30am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday and pre-bookable appointments only on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
Appointments should normally be made by telephone, 01865 311234, or through the College Nurse.
More info about medical issues is available on the intranet (SSO required).
Student Officers
In addition to these official college positions, the JCR and MCR each elect wonderful Welfare Officers to assist with welfare concerns.
Contact information for Lars and Eustacia can be found in the college welfare guides. They will also be running drop-in sessions throughout the year to make it even easier for you to have a chat with them about anything you may be concerned about.
The college also supervises a team of Peer Supporters who are trained in listening and communication skills and who are always available to meet with students. Their contact details can be found in the Welfare Guide. Freshers are assigned a designated Peer Supporter in Freshers’ Week.