Caring family for students in times of stress
UNIVERSITY IS a time to learn, make new friends and become independent. University Jewish Chaplaincy is there right alongside Jewish students on their journey. Wherever Jewish students are across the UK — in 12 regions and across dozens of campuses — chaplains are on hand
24/7 to help them navigate their new surroundings.
They offer a listening ear, run inspiring and engaging educational sessions, create the familiar experience of Friday-night dinners and are there in times of crisis.
With UK mental health services stretched, students are turning to their Jewish chaplains more than at any time in the past. Half of the organisations’s chaplains regularly help seven to ten students each month with mental health issues.
“We make a big effort to build a strong, non-judgmental relationships with the students in our region, so they feel like they can come to us. It is important to us that students know they can trust us,” says one chaplain.
An increasing number of students on campus are dealing with stress, depression and substance abuse. According to one survey, one in four students suffers from mental health problems. So having a chaplain on hand for support is key. One Jewish chaplaincy couple helped around 60 students with mental health issues this past term alone.
When students need more than a listening ear, chaplains refer them on for professional counselling or guidance. As official members of the university staff, chaplains work closely with the university administration and with chaplains of other faiths to address challenges facing all students.
Just as importantly, chaplains make an effort to address the causes of stress or other issues affecting the well-being of students. They can often be found handing out cookies and care packages at exam time, inviting students around for a beer and a chat, or organising social events so students can build a strong social support network. “We care for students as much as possible and provide a listening ear and a warm, pleasant environment to encourage them to open up,” says a chaplain in a region where mental health services are particularly stretched.
There are about 8,500 Jewish students at universities from Exeter to St Andrews. No matter their affiliation or background, Jewish chaplains help students feel they belong. After all, the lessons they learn at university end up shaping Jewish lives, Jewish homes and Jewish futures.
020 8343 5678, mychaplaincy.co.uk Registered charity 1126031