UCL Chaplain's Term 3 Updates

I hope that you all have managed to find some time to rest from your studies and are feeling rejuvenated to face this final term of the academic year. For those of you who were observing religious festivals over recent weeks, I hope that they were happy and fulfilling.

If you are sitting exams, having assessments, and working towards important deadlines this term, I wish you every success in whatever you are doing. This can be a stressful term for many, and it is important to make time for other parts of life and keep a good balance, which in the end will help you achieve what you are striving for.

I am looking forward to meeting many of you throughout the term, and remember that it is never too late to engage with Chaplaincy for the first time! My office is on floor B2 of the Student Centre. Please stop by to say hello, or stop me when I am walking around campus.

I am part of Student Support and Wellbeing Services and am responsible for supporting your spiritual wellbeing while you are at UCL. I am committed to supporting students of all faith and belief backgrounds, as well as those of no faith. You can find more information on the Chaplaincy's Faith and Belief webpage, including information about other chaplains, local places of worship, SU Faith and Spirituality Societies, and Quiet Contemplation Rooms (QCR's) on campus.

Please find details of various events and activities throughout this term below, alongside information about support I can offer to you along the way.
 

One-to-One Support

You can speak to me in confidence about anything that is impacting your time at UCL. It may relate to your faith or belief background, or a non-religious world view. It may also be completely unrelated, and that is okay too. These sessions are your time to discuss and reflect on whatever is on your mind at the time. You can email me at reid.humble@ucl.ac.uk or book an appointment online.

Weekly Events during Term Time (28 April - 13 June)

Evening Prayer will take place on Tuesdays from 5pm - 5.30pm online. This is a Christian service that includes readings from the Bible, prayers, and space for silence. It is a way of reflecting on the day that just happened and looking towards the night ahead. It is open to students of all Christian denominations and those who are not Christian but curious about this way that Christians have prayed since the earliest times. Please email reid.humble@ucl.ac.uk to receive the MS Teams link. The first meeting is Tuesday 29 April.

A Drop-in Space is available on Wednesdays from 3pm - 4pm at 30B Torrington Square, London WC1E 7JL. It is just a couple of minutes walk from the Student Centre and there is a University Chaplaincy sign on the building. The door is down the steps from street level. Come, relax and de-stress over a free hot drink with us. There is no agenda or programme, just a friendly space to chat or take a break. The first meeting is on Wednesday 30 April. 

Silent Meditation sessions are held on Thursdays from 10.10am - 10.50am in the Meditation Room on floor B2 of the Student Centre. It is especially accommodating for gathering people from all faith backgrounds and those from none. As it is silent, we can maintain a variety of intentions while practising together. The first session is on Thursday 1 May.

A Destress & Restart Lunch Break will happen on Tuesdays from 1pm - 2pm in the Meditation Room on floor B2 of the Student Centre. Organised by the Mindful Society and Buddhist Society at UCL, it is a volunteer-led initiative led by experienced student meditation practitioners, designed to provide relaxation in Term 3. The sessions involve a 30-minute lunchtime meditation – mainly mindfulness or breathwork – followed by an optional bring-your-own-lunch in Gordon Square (depending on the weather!).The first session is on Tuesday 29 April.

The IOE Gardens - A Tour and Workshop

The sessions are a great opportunity to relax and connect with nature. They will last for one hour, beginning with a tour of Sarah's Garden where you will learn about the plants and their uses. There will then be time for you to help with some gardening tasks such as weeding and watering.

There are two gardens at the IOE. Sarah’s Garden is a community garden and outdoor classroom where students and staff grow native flowers, herbs and hedges. It is dedicated to the memory of Sarah Douglas, a much-loved manager of the IOE Students’ Union.

The Bar Terrace has planters built by IOE students in 2012/13. The planters used to contain native trees and hedges that created a restful, green space. Sadly, the terrace has deteriorated in recent years but we plan to refurbish it this year, including the creation of a new memorial garden that will remind us of UCL students who are no longer with us.

Both gardens are managed and maintained by volunteer students, staff and alumni, and supported by fundraising activities.

Open to: UCL students

Availability: please contact Susan to book a place so that we can avoid overcrowding at any session.

Cost: Free

Organiser: Susan McGrath (susan.mcgrath.14@ucl.ac.uk)

Location: The IOE Bar Terrace (Woburn Square side of the IOE).

Dates and times: Tues 6 May at 11am, at 1pm or at 3pm. Your session will last for 1 hour. 
More dates and times may be added, so please check back regularly.

UCL East

I also offer support at our UCL East campus, including arranging to visit for an appointment, attending events, and delivering meditation workshops. If you need to meet in person at this campus, please contact me to arrange a convenient time and date.

Do you have an idea?

I'm always interested to hear possible ideas for further events and activities from across the University. Also, if you would like me to provide a session in your area, department, or team, please don't hesitate to get in touch! A popular one has always been a one off meditation session or workshop for specific groups.
 

Reid Humble, UCL Chaplain and Interfaith Adviser