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NTU - WellBeing Centre (Clifton)

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WellBeing Room

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Corridor

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WellBeing Room

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decorations

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Posters in WellBeing Room

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Quiet Room

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Books available in quiet room

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Male Prayer Room

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WellBeing Signage

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Candles and decorations

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Male Prayer Room

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Quiet Room

The WellBeing Centre is located at the back of the Student Services on Clifton Campus. Tucked away, this space doesn't seem to be very well advertised, as I discovered through questionnaire responses and talking to people around NTU, the majority of students who replied were not even aware of its existence, including myself. 

Upon arrival at Clifton Campus, you first need to make your way over to the George Elliot Reception, and from there, only a few simple hints show proof of this space, that being the little posters with pink candles leading you through the building. These are very discrete as a means of signage, so unless you know what you are looking for, they merely look like posters.

 

The WellBeing Centre is a small area, but comprises of 4 separate rooms as well as the Chaplains office: The main wellbeing room, a Prayer & Quiet room, and two Muslim Prayer Rooms. The main room provides comfortable seats, a large dining table, and a kitchen counter from which you can help yourself to free fruit, snacks, tea, and even make yourself a cheese toastie! The little fridge is always supplied with bread and butter, so students can feel welcome into this space by the simple kind act of having a warm snack provided.

 

Upon my first visit to this space, I was impressed at its humble character. No modern designs, no fancy furniture or crisp white walls... Simply a cosy room scented with candles, and free to de-stress in. My first question was: Why is it so empty? I assumed the news of free snacks would have seen hundreds of students turning up to this 'chill-out' room. However, students seem to enjoy the cosy quiet atmosphere it provides, which perhaps would not exist if there was a high number of people in the room.

The space is used by students to do a number of things such as pray, eat, socialise, speak to a member of the team, read, etc. It is coordinated by the Chaplains at NTU, and they are always in the office ready to support students with any problems they may have, or even just to be someone to talk to. When the space was opened in November 2011, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu joined Reverend DR Richard Davey to officially announce that 'the University now had a place that seeks to promote Spiritual Wellbeing for all students' (NTU website, Davey, 2011).

 

'The Chaplains play a number of roles:

  • supporting and advising students

  • providing opportunities to foster a sense of community and well-being

  • helping those who want to explore the big questions through social and spiritual events

  • highlighting the importance of spiritual wellbeing'

(NTU website, Faith & Spirituality)

 

After having visited the WellBeing Centre on the Clifton campus of Nottingham Trent University, I left feeling so much more relaxed than I had previously been. Constantly searching for a case study I could use from NTU, I was personally feeling quite stressed and tired, and having found this space through recommendation of a friend, I was introduced to Chaplain Jenny, who works part-time in the centre. Jenny's general approach to speaking with me, a new-comer to the space, was very engaging and helpful, and this instantly made a difference to my mood that particular evening.

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Reverend Dr Richard Davey & Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu, 2011.

Photo acknolewdgement: NTU Flickr acc.

Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu with NTU students, 2011.

Photo acknolewdgement: NTU Flickr acc.

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