Email: sidra.naeem@anglia.ac.uk Phone: 01245684436 Mobile: 07525902804

News from May to November 2018

Contents: Page 1: 4 Fast Breaking events Page 2: Homeless Feeding Event Page 2: Eid ul Fitr Party Page 3: BBC Television Show on Chaplaincy Page 4: 70th Anniversary of the NHS Event Page 5: Welcome Week visit to Mosque Page 5. Welcome Week Cricket Match Page 6: Outside events ARU were invited to Page 6: Chairman’s Reception Page 6: High Sheriff’s Justice Service & Garden Party Page 7: Interfaith Quiz Night Page 8: Courses, training and advice

Sidra Naeem Muslim Chaplain

May began with Ramadan & 4 Fast Breaking Events. These were organised by myself in collaboration

with the students. I invited all staff and students across the university to promote diversity and mingling

of differing cultures. They were brilliant events and the food was spectacular.

4 fast breaking events took place on 23rd May, 30th May, 6th June & 13th June 2018

Left: Dr Antesar Shabut Faculty of Science & Technology ARU Research fellow

ARU Students

During Ramadan (Fasting month), I

invited everyone again to a “Feeding the

Homeless” event at the local church

where students brought cooked dishes &

served the homeless

I appeared on a short television programme on the BBC News on Thursday 15th June, broadcasted on Ramadan and Eid. Students from ARU asked me questions on Ramadan and Fasting, which I then answered and explained.

Our Eid Party organised by myself in

collaboration with the students, was

a great success. It also gave a few

students who are currently studying

in the Education department an

opportunity to practise their children

management skills with Eid games &

a Quiz on Ramadan! Both staff &

students from ARU attended.

There was a dazzling array of activi-ties for people of all ages including a Chinese Ribbon Dance, drum work-shop, Nepalese performers, Akula Tribal dancing, Zumba, Voice Work-shop led by actors from the Mercury Theatre, Po-etry reading and a Bollywood experi-ential extravaganza.

Women Together End of Year Party!

January 2013 ISSUE 10

Email: sidra.naeem@anglia.ac.uk Phone: 01245684436 07525902804

70th Anniversary of the NHS Celebrations I was privileged to be invited by the Chaplaincy team of Basildon Hospital to deliver a lecture at their 70th anniversary celebrations. The topic was on The Golden Age of Islamic, Scientific Inventions

Trip to Chelmsford Mosque 19.9.17

Left: Linda (Christian Chaplain at Basildon Hospital)

I organised local events for Welcome Week To Which ARU Students & Staff Were Invited to

Attendee: High Sheriff of Essex: Bryan Burrough

Attendees: Students & Staff from ARU

There was a dazzling array of activi-ties for people of all ages including a Chinese Ribbon Dance, drum work-shop, Nepalese performers, Akula Tribal dancing, Zumba, Voice Work-shop led by actors from the Mercury Theatre, Po-etry reading and a Bollywood experi-ential extravaganza.

Women Together End of Year Party!

January 2013 ISSUE 10

Important events invited to as a Muslim Chaplain at ARU

Left: Chairman of Essex County Council at Reception

Left: High Sheriff of Essex Judges from the Old Bailey

I was privileged to be chosen to march in the procession with the bishops & do a reading at Chelmsford Cathedral at the High Sheriff’s Justice Service I met the Queen’s representative (Lord Left Lieutenant), all MPs, Mayors & Judges in England Left: Mayoress of Suffolk

Email: sidra.naeem@anglia.ac.uk Phone: 01245684436 Mobile: 7525902804

As part of National Interfaith Week 2018 celebrations, this year's Mid Essex Interfaith Forum (MEIFF) event took place in the form of an exciting, interactive Interfaith Quiz in conjunction with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). The 70 attendees included students & staff from ARU, Representatives from SACRE (Standing Advisory Council of Religious Education), members of the MEIFF & faith leaders from places of worship from as afar as Romford, Brentwood & Basildon. The candidates diversed from a wide range of faiths & cultures. Ivor Moody (Chair of the MEIFF) opened the exciting event. I compiled & hosted the Quiz, being a qualified teacher, representative on the MEIFF & Essex SACRE, is well as a Muslim Chaplain at ARU. The Quiz was based on 8 world faiths including a non-faith (Humanism) and the questions ranged on 7 different topics. There was an interfaith display exhibiting all faiths & non; which included religious artefacts, clothing, scriptures, children's work etc which I had prepared. There was an excellent curry supper before the answers were revealed & the prizes given out (A trophy each for the winning table & the runners up table & certificates & medals for everyone. There was excellent feedback from the event & one participant, commented that “Attending the Quiz made me learn about other faiths & it was great to meet new people. We all felt like winners!"

The event was published in the Essex Chronicle!

Medals & Certificates awarded to all participants & trophies for the winner & runner up!

Displays depicting children’s work from local schools

My role as a Muslim Chaplain at ARU continues to support, mentor and counsel numerous students and staff (Muslim & Non-Muslim) with needs in relation to complex social, emotional and wellbeing. Their problems ranged from cultural, faith and everyday issues, including racism (especially during weeks where politicians attacked niqabs), identity issues, bullying, cultural distortion of the faith, financial problems and loneliness felt from absence of family (especially during Graduation Week), warm weather and social networks left behind in their home countries or cities. I have continued to support them throughout very difficult and potentially dangerous times in their personal lives. Even though some of their courses have now been completed at the university, they continue to seek my support. Since the Medical School has opened, the number of students I am supporting has tripled! It is interesting to observe that home British, Muslim students have the same issues as International, Muslim students. I continued to deliver talks during Welcome, Freshers, International and Orienteering Weeks in various faculties as well as managing the Chaplaincy stall.

Courses Attended

In relation to my post, as well as completing the university’s mandatory courses, I also attended the “Linked In course” (22.5.18) I voluntarily attended other courses in relation to my job description. These included, Prevent Development Day (4.6.18), Understanding Faith and Cultural Needs in Dementia Training Part 2 (12.7.18), Understanding Islam & Islamophobia (21.9.18), Chaplaincy Training to support Muslim cancer patients (6.10.18), Interfaith & the Community (11.10.18), Chaplaincy 1 Day Conference (1.11.18), I made useful links with chaplains in other institutes at some of these courses and events. I have been promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing at ARU. I am a Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion, participating in ARU meetings on Mental Health and Well Being, two Time To Talk lunches and three Crafter-Noon sessions. I have attended many meetings building closer links with outside agencies such as with the Equality and Diversity department from Essex County Council, Essex Police, Essex Community Tree, Chelmsford College, Essex Mind and Spirit, SACRE and Chelmsford Cathedral.

Sidra Naeem Muslim Chaplain

Courses, Training and Advice

Email: sidra.naeem@anglia.ac.uk Phone: 01245684436 Mobile: 07525902804