We all experience grief at some point in our lives. Loss needs to be processed for our physical and mental health and wellbeing. Unresolved grief can affect our attitudes, relationships and attainment. The Bereavement Journey® is a place to talk - 6 Sessions of films and discussion for anyone, whether grieving a death now, or wanting to explore a previous bereavement that may be unresolved. Additionally there is an optional 7th session for anyone wishing to explore their grief in the context of faith and spirituality. Whilst this session is delivered from a Christian faith perspective, Chaplains can facilitate connections with other faith representatives on our team if requested. This 6 week course (and optional 7th week session) is for bereaved staff and postgraduate students to do their own grief work. Facilitated by University Chaplaincy staff, it is supported by a Guest Manual. 

Other Resources 

Group support is not right for everyone. If you don't feel the Bereavement Journey is right for you right now, Chaplaincy also offer one-to-one pastoral support. Please contact chaplaincy@lboro.ac.uk if you would like to speak to a chaplain on an individual basis about your bereavement.  

Course dates

This course will take place every Thursday for 6 weeks (+optional 7th week) 1:00-2:30pm:

• 24th October
• 31st October
• 7th November
• 14th November
• 21st November
• 28th November
• 5th December (7th week session)

Booking your place

There are 14 spaces available for this first course, please register your interest by completing the registration form below. If the course becomes fully booked, we can keep your details on a wait list for any cancelations or to contact you with future course dates.

Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 Oct)

Baby Loss Awareness week is now in its 22^nd year. It presents an opportunity for communities to raise awareness about pregnancy and baby loss and to give anyone touched by these experiences a safe and supportive space to share and feel that they are not alone.

On Friday 11 October, 12.30, Lead Chaplain, Rev’d Elizabeth York, will lead a short service of reflection in the Chapel (EHB 208) for anyone affected by the loss of a baby at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in infancy, whether recently or historically. Refreshments will be available after the service in the InnerSpace (EHB 217).

The Chapel will remain open until 17.30 as a quiet reflective space. Chaplains will be available for support following the service and throughout the afternoon.

Additional, ongoing bereavement support from chaplaincy is offered through 1:1 conversations with chaplains, and through the forthcoming Bereavement Journey course, beginning 24 October. For further information please see The Bereavement Journey course | University Chaplaincy | Loughborough University (lboro.ac.uk)

Baby Loss Awareness Week culminates with the global “Wave of Light” on 15th October, when families across the world will light a candle at 7pm local time and leave it burning for at least one hour to remember all babies that have died too soon. To join the virtual Wave of Light, take a photo of your candle and post it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #WaveOfLight at 7pm local time.

To mark Baby Loss Awareness Week the university will be lighting up its buildings in pink and blue.

For further support and links to resources: Support for you – Baby Loss Awareness Week (babyloss-awareness.org)

We will begin towards the end of January, we are running an Introductory evening, Wednesday 27 November, 6-7.30pm in Chaplaincy (EHB first floor) for anyone who is interested.

The evening will include a free pizza supper, an introduction to the course materials and time to talk and hopefully make some new friends.

Need to talk to someone? 

Whether you're finding yourself struggling with studies, being away from home, experiencing friendship or relationship issues, or just need to check in with someone; Chaplains offer a confidential and non-judgmental listening service for all students on and off campus. 

Chaplains are here to support your wellbeing, and if requested, your faith and spirituality too. We offer space to pause, find comfort, be creative or explore faith and spirituality. Whether you consider yourself to be a person of faith or not, everyone is welcome to speak to a Chaplain. 

Drop-in between 10-12 every Tuesday (at the Pilkington Library) and Thursday (at the University Chaplaincy, 1st floor EHB) during term time and a Chaplain will be available to speak to. 

You're also welcome to make an appointment in advance by emailing chaplaincy@lboro.ac.uk or DM @lborochaplaincy