Pastoral and spiritual support for all faiths and none

We offer support for the whole University community, whether you think of yourself as spiritual, religious, a person of faith or of no faith at all
Pastoral and Spiritual Support Service Lounge
We are a team of pastoral volunteers and chaplains, offering pastoral and spiritual support to staff and students at the University.
The team is led by our pastoral and spiritual support coordinator.
We welcome all members of the University community, regardless of your faith or beliefs.
Our pastoral and spiritual support services are now running in person and we are open for people to drop in Monday to Friday 10:00–16:00 at 1 Kirkby Terrace (opposite the James Street Vaults).
Alternatively, you can contact us for appointments by emailing spiritualsupport@plymouth.ac.uk.
 

Weekly 'What's On'

Monday

Poetry Matters: 12:00–13:00
An hour for shared reading and response to classic and contemporary poems.
Detox for the Soul: 13:00–14:00
Join us for an uplifting hour of connection, reflection, and inspiration!
Just Sing!: 13:00–15:00 (term time only)
Explore the experience of singing for wellbeing
God Explored: 15:00–16:00
Exploring the belief that happiness can be achieved by faith in Jesus Christ

Tuesday

Cake and Conversation: 13:00–14:00
Enjoy delicious cakes while chatting with fellow cake lovers.
The Staff and Postgraduate Bible Study Fellowship: 13:00–14:00
For staff and postgraduate students to enjoy a time of prayer and fellowship.
Journey through Scripture: 14:00–15:00
Discover the wisdom and relevance of the Bible in our lives today.
Global Buddies: 16:00–19:00
For international students to meet other international students and make global connections.

Wednesday

Lunchtime Meditation Sessions: 12:30–13:00
Take time out to relax, reflect and recharge while exploring the benefits of meditation.
Wednesday Games Hour: 13:00–14:00
Enjoy an hour of competitive play, whether solo or with friends.
Undergraduate Bible Study Fellowship: 13:00–14:00
For undergraduate students to enjoy a time of prayer and fellowship.

Thursday

Soul Fuel: 09:45–10:00
Christian focused meditation, discussion and prayer. All welcome.
Unlock Inner Peace: Join Our Weekly Mindfulness Practice!: 16:30–17:00
Embark on a rejuvenating journey where you can immerse yourself in the art of mindfulness.

Friday

Path of the Prophet: 11:00–12:00
Exploring the Prophet's teachings and life. Everyone is invited.
Join the Conversation: Atheist – Why?: 12:30–13:00
Reflect on personal journeys and encourage each other through moments of questioning.
Cake and Conversation: 13:00–14:00
Enjoy delicious cakes while chatting with fellow cake lovers.

Sunday

Embrace Sunday with Christ Miracle Church Mission!: 09:00–12:00
An uplifting experience that nourishes your soul and ignites your spirit.
 

Upcoming One-off Events

Illustration of a beautiful coloured drawing of fractal structures.
Colours of Grief: Using creativity to embrace loss and find peace (for UoP staff only) (29 May)
 

Monthly events

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
A Space to Breathe and Grieve (for UoP staff only, first Tuesday of the month)
High angle of friends eating a multicultural healthy dinner. 1038751228
Monthly International Dinners (last Saturday of the month)
Success Intelligence
Success Intelligence workshops (various dates)
Woman's hand writing on a notebook with a pen on a wooden desk.
Writing for Self Discovery (various dates)

Fancy a Chat?
Fancy a chat?
Monday to Friday, 10:00–16:00
Pastoral and Spiritual Support 'lunchtime meditation sessions' poster
Lunchtime meditation sessions
Every Wednesday, 12:30–13:00
Pastoral and Spiritual Support 'little Ted's excellent adventures' poster
Li'l Ted's adventures
Book him out now!

What people say about us

A group of students celebrate Eid in the Pastoral and Spiritual Support Centre
Students playing games in the the Pastoral and Spiritual Support Centre

Give it a try, I've found it really helpful way to reduce stress and calm racing thoughts and overthinking.

Meditation
Owen Kowalski

It met my needs 100% – having time to reflect on feelings is valuable.

The Art of Listening, Meditating and Self-Reflection workshop
Dee Champion
Belly dancing at the Pastoral and Spiritual Support center
Playing board games at the Pastoral and Spiritual Support centre

You are making it cool to talk about life and faith, in all its forms... The Pastoral and Spiritual Support Centre is a space we can all be proud of.

Poorna GunasekeraDr Poorna Gunasekera
Associate Dean International

Made me think about how to compartmentalise my things. Attend if you need help organising your life and how to plan things.

Finding your Focus workshop
Mia Ager

Having come to here during one of the most difficult times in my life, the chaplain has been amazing and was always ready to listen and pray with me. I appreciate the support given in encouraging and keeping me focused on scripture.

RO, postgraduate student

Recently bereaved, I started exploring my Christian faith through weekly bible studies with one of the chaplains in the Pastoral and Spiritual Support Centre. This has given me huge comfort and the wisdom and kindness shown to me has changed my life!

SH (July 2023)

I’ve had 16 sessions worth of therapy in my life and those 2 workshop hours made more impact than all of those sessions did.

The Art of Listening, Meditating and Self-Reflection workshop

Andrew HoriganMr Andrew Horigan
TNE & Articulations Coordinator

Discover more

Pastoral and Spiritual Support building

Room booking

Students can book a room at the Pastoral and Spiritual Support service between 10:00 and 16:00 by emailing spiritualsupport@plymouth.ac.uk.
As an UPSU-affiliated student group, you can book the Pastoral and Spiritual Support space out of hours from 16:00–22:30 Monday to Friday and 08:00–22:30 at weekends. To do so please book via your activities portal as you would with other spaces on campus. The department will then book this space on your behalf.
If you have any questions please email societies@su.plymouth.ac.uk.
Pastoral and Spiritual Support centre lending library

Library books

The Pastoral and Spiritual Support Centre has a library of books which you are welcome to borrow.

Student faith and belief societies

University of Plymouth students have access to over 100 societies. They help connect you with others who share your passion.
All societies at the Students' Union are student led. Joining any one of them is a great way to make the most of your university experience, meet new people, learn new things, explore your passions and have fun.
There are a number of faith and belief societies which may be of interest to you.
Group of young people gather for a bible studyBible Group Reading Together Smiling At Each Other
 
 

Spaces for prayer, reflection or meditation

On campus

1 Kirkby Place, between 10:00–16:00. An additional bookable space is available in the Pastoral and Spiritual Support building, 1 Kirkby Terrace.
Reflection room on the 2nd floor of the library , room 225. Open 24/7 term time and reduced hours during holiday times.