Community members and staff celebrate the official opening of the University of Portsmouth’s Chaplaincy Centre and Prayer Rooms

The University of Portsmouth invited members of the community to formally mark the opening of its new Chaplaincy Centre and Prayer Rooms.

The civic event was attended by faith leaders, business representatives and local councillors, including the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth. Visitors received tours of the new facilities, which include a comfortable chaplaincy lounge, a multi-faith and reflection room, and dedicated prayer rooms with ablution facilities for the University’s Muslim students and staff.

At the event, the Lord Mayor commented on the important role the Chaplaincy plays in supporting the University's diverse student body and staff team. 

Manager of Chaplaincy Services, Rev Ashley Lovett, expressed his gratitude to all those who came and spoke of the Chaplaincy’s vision to build stronger links with faith groups and other partners across the city, with the aim of bringing people together and facilitating greater understanding.

He said: “We want our students to do well in every sense, academically, emotionally, in relationships, mentally, and spiritually, so that they leave us with more than a degree. As chaplains, we are here to offer pastoral support to everyone regardless of their belief, to give spiritual guidance to those who come with questions, to provide religious literacy to students and the University around the areas of faith and studies, and to offer a place and events that help build community.”

The Chaplaincy Centre is located on St Pauls Road. The new centre is available to all students and staff for a confidential chat, prayer, somewhere to have lunch with friends or just some quiet space. The Chaplains have pastoral skills that can help with establishing values, meaning and purpose for living. Additionally, the centre will offer confidential support with one-to-one chats and fun events throughout the year.