The chaplaincy

Life can be full of surprises and sometimes it can be difficult to cope. Whatever troubles you face whilst at uni – a sudden change in circumstances, a loss of some kind or a tough decision – our University Chaplains can offer support, guidance and a willing ear.

The Chaplaincy is found on St Pauls Road. It is available to all students and staff for a confidential chat, somewhere to have lunch with friends, or just some quiet space.

We'll listen to you confidentially about whatever you want to explore. Our Chaplains have pastoral skills that can help with establishing values, meaning and purpose for living.

The Chaplaincy Centre & Prayer Rooms are now open with the following times:

Monday – Thursday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Friday: 9.00am – 4.00pm

Contacting the Chaplaincy team

Call us on +44 (0)23 9284 3030, or email us at chaplains@port.ac.uk. You can also follow us on Instagram @uop.chaplaincy, or visit us at the Chaplaincy Centre & Prayer Rooms, St Pauls Road, Southsea PO5 4AQ.

We are open 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday, and Fridays from 9.00am to 4.00pm.

Urgent help

If you are in serious distress and would like to urgently speak to a Chaplain out of normal office hours, the Duty Chaplain can be contacted through the University Security Lodge on +44 (0)23 9284 3418.

What is the Chaplaincy?

The Chaplaincy is a safe and inclusive social space. We're open to all students, regardless of your values and beliefs. Free tea and coffee is available every day during the week.

We offer:

Confidential support – drop in and ask to see a Chaplain for a one-to-one chat, or to make an appointment email us at chaplains@port.ac.uk
Islamic Prayer Rooms – now open in the Chaplaincy Centre in St Paul's Road, for Muslim staff and students, with separate ablution facilities for Brothers and Sisters
Multi-faith Room - a quiet space for reflection, stillness and personal prayer, open to everyone
Events - throughout the year, including Mug Painting during Freshers Week, and supporting events held by many other Uni departments and the Student Union

This area is a great place to get away and to meet new friends. If you need a talk, this is the place. If you want to join a religious society, this is the place. I enjoy this place because the atmosphere is stress-free and you can always talk to staff.

2nd year student, Anonymous

Speak to us

Our Chaplains will listen and support you. We'll:

listen non-judgmentally
encourage you to develop and grow
support you for as long as it takes

Your visit and conversations are kept confidential unless you give us permission to tell someone else.

If we think you're a risk to yourself or others, we may need to tell someone, but we'll discuss this with you first if we can.

We provide support and can tell you about other services across the University and city for issues such as:

Faith issues and concerns
Domestic abuse
Pregnancy
Refugee status
Marriage advice
Financial problems
Academic concerns
Anxiety and depression
Substance abuse

The Chaplaincy offers you an opportunity to build relationships with people from other cultures, faiths and religions.

We also have the resources and contact details for local faith groups. If you are unsure about how to approach someone from a different cultural or faith background to yourself, then the Chaplains will be able to help.

There are guidelines for building relations with people of different faiths and beliefs, available both nationally, and within the University. We can direct you to groups and organisations that specialise in building interfaith relationships.

The Chaplaincy is a marvellous place to spend some free time. If you want, you can get into conversation with others, play games or seek advice about something. Or if you prefer, you can sit on your own, quietly, reading a book or simply listening to Classic FM Radio, recovering from the exertion of university life. Whichever you choose, you will be glad you went.

Staff member, Anonymous

Events and activities

Throughout the year, the Chaplaincy team organise social events for students and staff to meet new people within a peaceful and impartial environment. Activities include:

Festival of Light
Film and Games nights (Xbox and board games)
Mug painting
Christmas Carol Service

Everyone in the University community is welcome to visit and participate in our social events, speak to us, socialise with friends or use the space for quiet time and reflection.

Meet our Chaplains

Carrie Logan, Chaplaincy Administrator

As the Administrator for the Chaplaincy, Carrie will be the first of the friendly faces you see at the Chaplaincy.

Read my profile

I love the relaxing and peaceful atmosphere that the Chaplaincy has provided! Everyone here is nice and friendly. Angela is the best person to talk to if you just want someone to have a chat with. Chaplaincy is definitely the place to go if you are away from home.

2nd year student, Anonymous

Get in touch

Call us on +44 (0)23 9284 3030 or email us at chaplains@port.ac.uk (for personal concerns) or chaplaincyadmin@port.ac.uk (for general enquiries).

We are open 9.00am–5.00pm Monday to Thursday, and 9.00am–4.00pm on Fridays.

If you are in serious distress and would like to urgently speak to a Chaplain out of normal office hours, the On Call Chaplain can be contacted through the University Security Lodge on +44 (0)23 9284 3418 (or 84 3418 from halls landlines).