“The Chaplaincy at the Meeting House provide an amazingly friendly and welcoming space for students and staff of all faiths and none. It’s a space where diversity is celebrated and where you will always find a reassuring smile and a friendly face to talk to. I can’t thank the Chaplaincy team enough for the support that they offer many of our international students as they make South Wales their second home. It’s a safe space, a positive space, where everyone is welcomed and everyone is respected.”

Recruitment Manager

USW International

The Meeting House is the place to go to relax, unwind and enjoy. It’s a place you always feel welcome and at home in. This is due to the atmosphere created by the friendly, cheerful and helpful staff. Thank you.”

Treforest Support Specialist

USW

“As soon as I started Uni life in 2017 I found the environment is very unfriendly to me and life is very busy here. I got to know about Meeting House by a friend. This is the only place in the uni where people come to talk, spend a social life. I got many international friends from Meeting House. Then I became a Volunteer and started joining different cultural events with them. Now, Chaplaincy (Meeting House) is a part of my daily life. I feel proud to be a part of Chaplaincy.”

Alumni

BSc Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Student

“The Chaplaincy touches on so many aspects of University life, and always in a supportive and inclusive manner. In my first two years at USW I’ve seen Chaplaincy staff support individual students at difficult points in their lives, been privileged to volunteer as they serve food to those observing Ramadan and participated in a range of events such as supporting our Sri Lankan staff and students in the aftermath of attacks in their home land. They have supported the work of Spectrum, providing a venue for activities and leadership of staff involvement in our work on LGBT+ issues. The Chaplaincy provides an essential complement to Student Services, allowing students to draw down support from either in the way that suits them.”

Dean of Faculty of Computing Engineering & Science

USW

“Although the Chaplaincy has lots of activities going on during the daytime and in the evenings, there’s always a quiet corner, a friendly face and a cup of coffee to greet you when you walk through the doors. Amid the busyness of the University campus the Chaplaincy provides a haven where you can take a moment out of your day to just chill. All the staff
who work or volunteer there are so dedicated and committed to what they do, and it’s great to be able to help out at events such as Ramadan meals and carol services where you get to meet lots of new people from so many different walks of life,
countries, faiths, beliefs and cultures in such a lovely relaxed environment.”

PA to Dean of Faculty of Computing Engineering & Science

USW

“The Chaplaincy’s ethos is to embrace diversity and the Chaplaincy team really do embed this principle in all that they do, providing a warm welcoming environment for all staff and students and a comfortable space to meet with others over a cup of tea. I recommend attending the many interesting and engaging events the Chaplaincy host, including film nights, talks, lectures and training sessions. The Chaplaincy also convene the LGBT+ Staff Network Spectrum, which has grown in strength and numbers over the last couple of years and is now a thriving network which is playing a key role in furthering LGBT+ equality at USW.”

Human Resources Equality & Diversity Partner

USW

“University can often be a very demanding and busy time however; the Chaplaincy is a welcome change of pace. The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere creates an ideal place to
study or to take a break after a particularly tiring lecture. As the Meeting House will not be open for social events during this term you can be sure that the Chaplaincy team will be around to help you when you need them. The staff have always been very helpful, always offering solutions when I’m struggling to sort out events for the Christian Union. Thanks
for all your help.”

Alumni

BSc Chemistry

“The Chaplaincy is a ‘family with open doors’. Being an active volunteer back home in Nigeria, I have always wanted to give a helping hand in any environment I find myself. The Chaplaincy provided a platform not only to serve but a lovely
environment to meet warm and welcoming staff, helpful and fantastic new friends. The support from the Chaplaincy kept me going in my blended learning experience during this
pandemic. Are you far away from home and looking to get to know new friends? The Chaplaincy is always available.”

Alumni

MBA Masters of Business Administration

“I cannot stress how much The Chaplaincy has helped me emotionally. It has played a massive role both in my personal life and university experience. The folks at the Chaplaincy welcomes absolutely everyone. I genuinely believe that it is
the heart of the university. I highly recommend it to all the students at the University of South Wales to join the Chaplaincy family, you won’t regret it. It’s a community that everyone can be part of. The atmosphere is fantastic whether you are worrying about your studies, something personal or
missing home whoever you are, wherever you are from they will always help you.”

Alumni

Masters of Business Administration

“The USW Trade Union Alliance proudly endorses the Chaplaincy Service at the University of South Wales. In times of challenge and change, the Chaplaincy provides a vital source of pastoral care, spiritual support, and community connection for staff and students alike. We recognise the inclusive and compassionate role the Chaplaincy plays in promoting wellbeing, dignity, and respect across our university community. As trade unions committed to fairness and solidarity, we value the Chaplaincy’s contribution to a supportive and caring campus environment.”

Chair of USW Trade Union

USW

“I am proud to be part of a community that truly welcomes
students from every walk of life, community and background. USW Chaplaincy is a vital part of our community. It is a place where every student is met with kindness, respect, and an open heart. Whatever your background, culture, beliefs, or life experience, you will find here a safe space to talk, reflect, seek support, and build connections. USW Chaplaincy embodies the spirit of belonging that defines USW. A community where you are not just welcomed, but valued, and where together, we help one another to grow, thrive, and make a difference.”

Director of Student Life

USW

“USWSU is proud that we have a diverse multicultural
community across all campuses seeking to create safe and nurturing environments where all students feel accepted, understood and supported irrespective of faith, culture, gender or sexual orientation. We wholeheartedly commend the fantastic work of Chaplaincy Services with our students; they are most definitely a vital part of student life and our wider university community.”

Student Union CEO

USWSU

University life can be very exciting but also quite overwhelming. The Chaplaincy at USW offers a calm,
welcoming space where students of all faiths, or none, can find a listening ear, support and kindness. Whether you
are working your way through personal challenges, seeking spiritual guidance, or you just need someone to talk to, the Chaplaincy at USW can help and offer a safe space for
reflection and discussion. Many of our students have benefited from the space, kindness and sound practical
advice offered to them by our Chaplaincy service.

Head of Professional Policing and Criminology

USW

The Chaplaincy – My Safe Haven – At the Chaplaincy, I found brothers, friends, companions, and mentors – people who eventually became family. They brought positive energy into my life and helped build my confidence in ways I never imagined. I found joy in serving others, seeing their smiles, and sharing in moments of celebration, especially during Eid. The Chaplaincy is where I feel safest on campus. It supported me through difficult times, encouraged me to grow, and helped me become the best version of myself. I would not have become the Equality, Diversity and inclusion Ambassador without my volunteering experience at the Chaplaincy. It’s a place that welcomes both staff and students with open arms. The Chaplaincy is a true safe space, a playground for personal growth, a hub for collaboration across differences, a place where faith is freely expressed, and a home for inclusive ideas.”

Alumni

MSc Management

“The Chaplaincy is the most beautiful sight to behold both from the outside and in the interior. The rooms are beautiful and extremely clean. The staff are nice, kind, loving, compassionate, generous and friendly. I have been privileged to work there and to solicit helps from the staff
there when I faced some challenges in the course of my studies and I can confidently say there were of immense
blessings to me whenever I was around them. If I`m given the privilege of choosing a place to work in The University
of South Wales, Treforest Campus, I will gladly choose The Chaplaincy. God bless The Chaplaincy of The University of South Wales, Treforest Campus now and always (amen and amen).”

Alumni

MSc Electronics and Information Technology

“Starting my life in the UK was completely a journey which I took on my own leaving my family and my comfort behind. In Ramadan time I started doing volunteering work in the uni Meeting House and was so blessed to meet the Chaplaincy team. They became my family as they encouraged me, believed in me and I shared all my
successful moments with them as they became part of me just like my family. As I am guy who likes company, the
Meeting House became second place for me to feel home. I met many people and found many good friends, made so many good memories in the Meeting House filled with love, care, laughter, enjoyment and happiness.”

Alumni

BSc Hons Aircraft Engineering & Maintainance Systems

The Meeting House has been the reason I realised that my life has to change; my way of thinking, behaviour etc. Coming from a small country, I would not say I was as open-minded. Meeting House has taught me that all humans are equal, independently of their background, colour, culture since these do not define an individual. Meeting House became ‘my house’ in Wales; the place where I spend time with friends, volunteer, eat, study, relax, and pray. I definitely suggest students to give a chance to this ‘warm’ place which help us to grow, and try to find
the real role of this place which is love your next as yourself.

Deput Dean of Faculty of Business and Creative Industries

USW

Over the years, Sport students have come to rely heavily on the Chaplaincy team. Their professional and compassionate approach has provided unwavering support, regardless of the situation. Importantly, their care has always been inclusive and accessible to all.

Head of Sport

USW

“When I first came to university, finding the Chaplaincy at the Meeting House was like finding a quiet harbor in a bustling sea. It quickly became a place where I could pause and feel a sense of calm. The Chaplaincy is so much more than a physical space for comfort; it is a vibrant and truly inclusive community. Whether I was seeking a moment of peace, joining a thought-provoking discussion, or simply needing a safe space to share what was on my mind, I was always met with a genuine smile and a listening ear. There was a palpable sense of acceptance that made it easy to feel
comfortable and be myself, without any pretense. What truly touched my heart was the Chaplaincy’s incredible dedication to celebrating diversity and providing a home for all. The provision of prayer facilities for Muslims was a daily comfort, a quiet corner to connect with my faith. I will never forget the kindness of having food served during Ramadan, making it feel less isolating to be away from home during the holy month. And the celebrations for Eid,
complete with delicious sweets and shared smiles, created a feeling of community and belonging that I will always cherish. Meeting Michelle, the head of the Chaplaincy, was a true honor. She embodies the spirit of the Meeting House, her warmth and empathy made me feel genuinely seen and valued, not just as a student, but as a person with my own story. It is this genuine care that has made Chaplaincy a place I consider a home away from home. For that sense of belonging and the many moments of peace and friendship it has given me, I will always be grateful.”

Alumni

LLM Laws

“I can’t begin to tell you how warm, open and welcoming the Meeting House is. Being part of the LGBTQ community, I became used to assuming that a place related to religion has challenges with my identity, but this couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to the Meeting House. Our LGBTQ
meetings are held here, as well as various LGBTQ talks & events. I am not just ‘tolerated’ here. I am actively supported. We as a university are so fortunate to have a place like this on campus!”

Placements Coordinator

USW

The Chaplaincy is such a warm welcoming family. I have used the Meeting House for events and also attended so many occasions there. The Meeting House has rooms to suit the purpose of every gathering. I loved every second I spent at the Meeting House! The warm welcome and feeling of belonging made a building feel like a home.”

Alumni

BSc Psychology with Behaviour Analysis

“The Chaplaincy is a beautiful place. It has shown me the world under one roof, where everyone, no matter where you
come from, are just fascinated with one another. Sharing cultures, languages and having fun – whether it’s playing the piano together or laughing over a cup of coffee. Where friendships are born and walls are broken, help is given and no judgements are taken. It is our safe place, my safe place, and I am always grateful for it no matter where I go in life.”

Alumni

BSc. International Wildlife Biology