The chaplaincy

Life can be full of surprises and sometimes it can be difficult to cope. Whatever troubles you face whilst at uni – a sudden change in circumstances, a loss of some kind or a tough decision – our University Chaplains can offer support, guidance and a willing ear.

The Chaplaincy Centre and Prayer Rooms can be found on St Pauls Road. It is open to all students and staff for a confidential chat, somewhere to have lunch with friends, as a place to pray or just find some quiet space.

We'll listen to you confidentially about whatever you want to explore. Our Chaplains have pastoral skills that can help with establishing values, meaning and purpose for living.

The Chaplaincy Centre & Prayer Rooms are now open with the following times:

• Monday – Thursday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
• Friday: 9.00am – 4.00pm

What is the Chaplaincy?

The Chaplaincy is a safe and inclusive social space. We're open to all students, regardless of your values and beliefs. Free tea and coffee is available every day during the week.

We offer:

• Confidential support –  drop in and ask to see a Chaplain for a one-to-one chat, or to make an appointment email us at chaplains@port.ac.uk 
• Islamic Prayer Rooms – now open in the Chaplaincy Centre in St Paul's Road, for Muslim staff and students, with separate ablution facilities for Brothers and Sisters
• Multi-faith Room - a quiet space for reflection, stillness and personal prayer, open to everyone
• Events - throughout the year, including Mug Painting during Freshers Week, and supporting events held by many other Uni departments and the Student Union

Speak to us

Our Chaplains will listen and support you. We'll:

• listen non-judgmentally
• encourage you to develop and grow
• support you for as long as it takes

Your visit and conversations are kept confidential unless you give us permission to tell someone else.

If we think you're a risk to yourself or others, we may need to tell someone, but we'll discuss this with you first if we can.

We provide support and can tell you about other services across the University and city for issues such as:

• Faith issues and concerns
• Domestic abuse
• Pregnancy
• Refugee status
• Marriage advice
• Financial problems
• Academic concerns
• Anxiety and depression
• Substance abuse 

The Chaplaincy offers you an opportunity to build relationships with people from other cultures, faiths and religions.

We also have the resources and contact details for local faith groups. If you are unsure about how to approach someone from a different cultural or faith background to yourself, then the Chaplains will be able to help.

There are guidelines for building relations with people of different faiths and beliefs, available both nationally, and within the University. We can direct you to groups and organisations that specialise in building interfaith relationships.

Events and activities

Throughout the year, the Chaplaincy team organise social events for students and staff to meet new people within a peaceful and impartial environment. Activities include:

• Craft afternoons
• Mug painting
• Carol Singing around campus

Everyone in the University community is welcome to visit and participate in our social events, speak to us, socialise with friends or use the space for quiet time and reflection.