Peace and Unity activities and support
War and conflict around the world continues to have a direct and emotional impact on us here in Reading.
Many of us have connections with global regions consumed by violence, whether through loved ones living there or our personal experiences, while we are all anxious to see peace prevail.
Against this troubling backdrop, we remain more committed than ever to celebrating our diverse University community and to our campuses being peaceful and supportive environments for all.
Over the next few months, the University and Reading Students’ Union will coordinate a special Peace and Unity programme, bringing together activities events and resources that either respond to global conflicts or provide supportive environments to discuss worries and find help if you need it.
Activities
The list below will continue to be updated. Pick up a flyer with the latest events and resources at these events, and other collection points, for a handy summary.
|
Date/time/venue |
Activity title/description |
Led by |
|
Mon 11 Nov 2024 11:00 All campuses |
Armistice Day services Armistice services across campuses will reference global conflict and importance of peace and unity in our community. |
Events, Reading Students' Union, Chaplaincy |
|
From Mon 11 Nov 2024 Online |
Online mural offering an inclusive, artistic outlet for staff and students on all campuses (including international) affected by current conflicts, and a place to express messages of hope. |
Reading Students' Union, UoR |
|
On Demand UoRLearn |
Active listening training (staff only) for staff, including effective ways to listen to other perspectives and having difficult conversations to build mutual understanding. |
People Development |
|
Term time and on demand Global Study Lounge |
Intercultural Competence and Communication module (students only) An additional module available to students that covers intercultural communication, real-world issues and how your own identity impacts your perspective. It is open to all first, second or third year students where the option is available. |
Global Graduate Programme, ISLI |
|
On demand Future Learn |
Online version of the Intercultural Competence and Communication module above, which can be completed on demand. |
Global Graduate Team, ISLI, Online Courses team |
|
Thu 14 Nov 2024 18:30-20:00 Edith Morley G27 |
Armistice Lecture: Civilian Experience of WWI in the Mediterranean Public lecture exploring the significance of the impacts of the First World War on civilians in countries across the Mediterranean. |
Languages and Culture Department |
|
Fri 15 Nov 2024 18:30-19:30 The Mayor's Parlour, Reading Civic Centre, 19 Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LR |
How to Disagree (external event) Session on co-existing and engaging with people who hold different views. |
Mayor of Reading, Deputy Lieutenant of Berkshire Email rifginfo@gmail.com |
|
Sun 17 Nov 2024 15:00-17:00 Reading Minster |
Annual Reading Minster lecture addressing current conflict and violence in the Middle East. |
Reading Minster (external), Chaplaincy |
|
Mon 18 Nov 2024 19:00-00:00 3SIXTY, Reading Students' Union |
Diwali Ball (students only) A ball to celebrate Diwali, which is open to people of all nationalities and faiths. The non-alcoholic event will feature perfromances, themed Indian music and a three-course Indian meal. . |
Hindu Society, Tamil Society, Reading Students' Union |
|
Wed 20 Nov 2024 (and every other Wednesday onwards) 13:00-14:00 Global Study Lounge, Edith Morley 230 |
Fortnightly friendly and relaxed get togethers offering international students (including those at international campuses) and staff a chance to practice spoken English, and also discuss other topics such as wellbeing and different countries and cultures. |
Global Study Lounge, International Advisory Team
|
|
Thu 28 Nov 2024 17:30-21:00 Palmer Quad and Reading SU |
A free, multi-faith festive community celebration on campus. Music, food, market stalls and family-friendly activities with special lights display. |
Events, Reading Students' Union |
|
Friday 29 Nov 2024 (and every other Friday onwards) Global Study Lounge, Edith Morley 230 14:00-16:00 (Semester 1) 15:00-17:00 (Semester 2) |
Friday Get Togethers (students only) Drop-in sessions allowing students to get together to socialise and offer mutual peer support over various activities. |
Global Study Lounge, International Advisory Team |
|
Wed 4 Dec 2024 10:30-11:30 Global Study Lounge |
Creating Safe Spaces drop-in (staff only) Drop-in event to discuss how we can build safe spaces for all at Reading amid conflict and adversity. Join us to share your ideas and feedback on what works well, what’s still needed, and what we can do to work together to develop a more inclusive community. |
Staff Networks |
|
Thu 16 Jan 2025 12:30-13:30 Global Study Lounge |
Coping with Global Issues drop-in Find out about university support services, resources and groups that can offer you help with concerns or anxiety, and connect with others who might be feeling the same way. This session is open to students and staff, jointly hosted by BAME Network, Wellbeing Services & Reading Student’s Union.
|
BAME Network, Student Wellbeing, Reading Students' Union |
|
Mon 27 Jan 2025 TBC |
Flag-raising on campus to remember the Holocaust and other genocides. This year’s theme is ‘For a better future’. |
Diversity and Inclusion team, Events, Vice-Chancellor's Office, Chaplaincy |
|
Wed 29 Jan 2025 12:00 onwards Global Study Lounge |
Lunar New Year Celebration Join us to welcome the Year of Snake, celebrating with vibrant activities as we embrace happiness, health and prosperity for 2025. |
BAME Network, Student Services, Languages & Cultures Department |
Support
- Report and Support: Report incidents of harassment or inappropriate behaviour to the University and get the support you need.
- Student welfare support; Support for any worries, including a dedicated service for international students.
- Staff wellbeing support: Help with any concerns, including from our wellbeing peer support and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Reading Students’ Union: Advice and support services, plus student societies to connect with others.
- Global Study Lounge: reading.ac.uk/global-study-lounge
Welcoming space in Edith Morley bringing international and home students together to develop intercultural understanding and communication skills. - Staff Networks: reading.ac.uk/diversity/getting-involved/networks
Diversity and inclusion networks offering a listening ear, where staff are welcome to socialise, get involved in change-making initiatives and attend regular activities. - Chaplaincy: reading.ac.uk/chaplaincy
A gateway for accessing faith support on campus and in the local community.
13 November 2024
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