Religious Life and Belief Centre (RLBC)

Welcome to the Religious Life and Belief Centre (RLBC) at the University of Surrey! We are dedicated to serving our diverse community on campus by providing a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for students and staff of all faiths and none.

Serving our diverse community on campus

We embrace the beliefs, traditions, and perspectives of seven major world faiths, as well as the humanist tradition, in order to foster a thriving and harmonious community. We operate community centres and hubs on both Manor Park and Stag Hill campuses and have a team of 25 religious life and belief workers who work together to serve our community.

Our ethos

The core values of the RLBC are respect, compassion, hope, love, and community. By promoting these values, we aim to create an environment in which all members feel supported and valued, regardless of their individual beliefs and backgrounds.

Religious Life and Belief team: chaplains and religious life and belief associates

Our dedicated team of 25 chaplains and religious life and belief advisers offer pastoral care, faith and belief support, and a wide range of community activities. As our community's needs continue to evolve, so does our team.

Meet the chaplains

Faith and worldview communities on campus

Our Religious Life and Belief Centre has been expanded to cater for our diverse community on campus. Whilst the centre provides many services which are generic we recognise the importance of providing a faith and worldview-specific service on campus. Find out more about our communities on campus:

Four centres on campus

Our campus is home to four distinct centres: the Roundhouse Religious Life and Belief Centre, the Wey Flat Pastoral Care Centre, the Islamic Prayer Room (all on the Stag Hill Campus), and the Manor Park Campus Faith and Belief hub. These community centres cater to the unique communal, religious, spiritual and pastoral needs of our diverse population. In addition, they offer yoga, Tai Chi and a series of education and multifaith and belief seminars and projects.

Our advisory group

In 2020, we established the Religious Life and Belief National Advisory Board to help the University develop new levels of service for our students and staff. The group is made up of experts both from institutions in the UK and internationally.

Pastoral care

We provide pastoral care for both staff and students on campus. We are open and approachable whether you are having serious challenges at the university or just having a bad day. We offer a full bereavement counselling service and work closely with our colleagues in faculties and student support to ensure you can have the best student experience possible. Our priority is to ensure that everyone in our community feels supported and cared for in their times of need.

Catering

Collaborating with campus catering services, we strive to provide Halal, Kosher, Hindu, Vegan, and Vegetarian options, ensuring that all members of our community can enjoy nutritious and delicious meals in accordance with their beliefs.

Training

The RLBC offers training opportunities for both staff and students, empowering them with skills and knowledge related to faith leadership and religious literacy. Our training in religious literacy enables staff and students to engage in respectful and informed discussions about faith and belief, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.

United Nations Faith for Rights programme

We are proud to be connected to the United Nations Faith for Rights programme, promoting the protection of human rights through interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Cost of living initiatives

Our commitment to addressing the cost of living ensures that everyone has access to resources and opportunities on campus. For more information get in touch with us!

Refugee Intern Programme

Through our Refugee Intern Programme, we offer internships to refugees, providing them with valuable work experience and contributing to their integration into our community.

Working with faith and belief societies

We collaborate with faith and belief societies on campus to create a supportive and enriching environment for students of all faiths and beliefs.

Student faith leadership courses

We provide training in faith leadership, helping community members develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead in their faith communities.

Trainee chaplains

At the Religious Life and Belief Centre at the University of Surrey, a Trainee Chaplain embodies an integral role in fostering spiritual growth, emotional well-being, and community building. As we welcome Anna and Sarah into this position, we'd like to shed some light on their role and responsibilities.

Trainee Chaplains like Anna and Sarah engage in a variety of tasks to promote religious and spiritual inclusivity within the university environment. One of their primary responsibilities includes offering pastoral care to students, staff, and faculty. They provide a listening ear, counsel, and comfort during times of personal crisis, doubt, or exploration, irrespective of the individual's faith background.

Furthermore, they help organize and conduct religious services, prayer meetings, and spiritual exploration sessions that cater to the diverse faiths and beliefs represented at the university. They also facilitate interfaith dialogues, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding amongst the various belief systems on campus.

As part of their training, Anna and Sarah will learn how to navigate the complexities and nuances of spiritual care in a higher education setting. They will be mentored by experienced chaplains, who will guide them in their professional and spiritual development.

Lastly, Anna and Sarah are charged with the mission of promoting the ethos of the Religious Life and Belief Centre, which is to encourage spiritual exploration, respect for all belief systems, and the nurturing of a supportive and inclusive community. Their journey as Trainee Chaplains will undoubtedly contribute to enriching the spiritual life of the University of Surrey.

Bereavement support at the Religious Life and Belief Centre

At the Religious Life and Belief Centre, we offer compassionate bereavement support to our students, faculty, and staff. Bereavement, or grief, is a universal experience that can touch anyone at any time. It is a profound, often challenging process, unique to every individual.

Our service aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for those who are grieving. Our experienced team of counsellors is here to listen and help you navigate through this difficult period in your life. We are committed to respecting your individual beliefs and experiences, which is why we cater to people of all faiths and none.

Our services

The bereavement counselling service provides one-on-one counselling sessions, group counselling, and grief workshops. Our services include:

  1. Individual counselling sessions: these are confidential sessions with a trained bereavement counsellor, where you can share your feelings and experiences.
  2. Group counselling: group sessions offer an opportunity to share experiences with others who are also going through the grieving process. This can help you feel less alone and provide mutual support.
  3. Grief workshops: these workshops provide practical strategies for dealing with grief and coping with loss. They also aim to promote understanding of the grieving process.

Reach out to us

If you're dealing with loss and grief, you don't have to do it alone. Our team is here to support you. To arrange an appointment, or to find out more about our bereavement counselling services, please get in touch with the Religious Life and Belief Centre at chaplaincy@surrey.ac.uk.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help. Your feelings are valid, and you deserve to be heard. Whether you're looking for a safe place to express your grief or seeking strategies to navigate your loss, we are here to support you every step of the way.

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