The Chaplaincy team works across the whole University and is available to support students and staff from all faiths and none. Chaplains offer pastoral, spiritual and religious support, and we have a diverse team of University Staff Chaplains, Associate Chaplains, Faith Advisors, Volunteers and Student Inter-Faith Advocates.
Chaplaincy offers supportive spaces where you can meet others, take part in activities and events, and find suitable places for prayer and religious observance.
Chaplaincy Spaces & Prayer Rooms
Across our sites we have some excellent Chaplaincy Spaces and Prayer Rooms that are currently in the process of being refurbished. They provide welcoming community spaces where our students and staff can relax, share food together, and take part in events and activities.
We have Chaplains based in Chester, Shrewsbury & Warrington and they visit all sites and are available to chat via Teams. Our team of Chaplains and Associate Chaplains come from a range of religions, and they are always ready to help you and offer a listening ear.
You don’t need to book, just pop in or send us an email via chaplaincy@chester.ac.uk if you would like to arrange a time to chat.
A Listening Space
Would you like some space to chat through something that is on your mind? Are you feeling in need of some support? Just send an email to chaplaincy@chester.ac.uk and ask for a Chaplain to get in touch to arrange a listening space and time.
No matter what the issue, Chaplains are available to listen and support students of all faiths and none. However, we can also point you in the direction of specific religious support if that’s what you’re looking for. Just let us know and we’ll do our best to help you.
Here at the University, we have a growing Chaplaincy team and you can find out more about us all here.
University Choir
The University of Chester Choir enjoys learning and singing a range of music, from classical, popular and folk music to original compositions.
We have a friendly mixed staff/student choir which meets every Thursday at St Thomas’ Church (across the road from the University Chapel, Exton Park site) from 5.45pm-7pm. The Choir take part in various musical events throughout the academic year, including events which form part of the University of Chester calendar, through to events in the wider community. The Choir also takes part in high profile events, joining up with other cities in the UK.
You do not need any musical experience to join! If you are interested in joining, you can contact our Director of Music Matt Baker via m.baker@chester.ac.uk
Community Hub & Chaplaincy, Exton Pk (formerly Chaplaincy House)
The Community Hub is the left-hand semi-detached building to the right of the Binks Building at Exton Park, Chester.
In the Community Hub there is a friendly welcome and spaces including:
- an open access community lounge to meet people and eat together
- a community kitchen with a fridge, microwave and free drinks
- a Games Room for board games
- a quiet study space
- a well-stocked Creative Space for arts and crafts
- a sanctuary space for reflection and quiet
- a patio area and a garden that is being transformed as a student project – join in!
Multi-faith Space, Exton Park
The Multi-faith Space is in the Old Pavillion, next to the car park alongside the Westminster building. Inside there is a community kitchen with fridge and microwave and a community lounge that are open to all students.
The Multi-faith Space is also home to some of our Muslim Prayer Rooms, with separate washing facilities and separate Prayer Rooms. Click here to find out more.
University Chapel
Our beautiful University Chapel was built in the 1840s by some of the first students at what was then a Church of England Teacher Training College.
The Chapel remains an important sacred space for us, as a learning community, where people can find a peaceful moment, light a candle and meet for prayer and weekly chapel services. Throughout the year, we have special Chapel services such as smaller graduation services and carol services.
The Chapel is open all day for a moment of quiet or to light a candle – it’s up to you how you use the services.
Inter-faith Advocates and Activities
Our Inter-faith advocates work alongside our Chaplaincy team to raise awareness of the faith needs of students, to improve student support, to promote understanding across faiths and to lead on inter-faith initiatives and events.