Hello! My name is Lilly – I work as part of the Chaplaincy team primarily based at Creative Campus. In 2018 I graduated with a degree in Theology, Philosophy and Ethics, studied at Hope Park Campus.

I understand the difficulties of what it is like to be a student, and I empathise with the added pressures of the current lockdown… Everyone is doing so brilliantly with the adjustments.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, I am here to say, it is ok not to be ok. I am someone who struggles with anxiety, at the moment everyone is sat with their own grief – whether that be sadness and grieving for booked holidays, missing your loved ones, graduation plans and the saddest of circumstances, grieving for a loved one who has passed away.
Grieving is a process, and is something that is perfectly understandable during this time, reaching out and staying connected is so important.

Mind, body and spiritual health are important for the overall you, whatever that looks like for you, to be your most comfortable self.

Student Development and Wellbeing are here for you, email SDW@hope.ac.uk for assistance, for drop-ins and counselling, know that we, as the Chaplaincy are here for you too – we are here for everyone, whether they have a faith or don’t, please email chaplaincy@hope.ac.uk. We host Online Prayer meetings twice a week (Midday Wednesdays and Fridays- email us for Zoom details!) We are available for online coffee meetups, prayer requests and just to listen and check in with the Hope Community!

We have also created a series of short podcasts about positivity, you can listen here. As well as a reflection on Easter in Lockdown 2020, please listen here.

In addition, here are a few things which may help you with your spiritual wellbeing:

Interfaith Resources
The UK interfaith network have compiled an extensive selection of opportunities for online worship from a wide range and denominations of Faiths during this time of COVID-19.

Positive Social Media:
Wholesome Memes
Maggie Smith Poet

Stay Blessed not stressed
Lilly