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"Inter Faith Week is the time for reflecting upon the rules and rhythms of our own lives”

Emma D’aeth is the Trust Chaplain at Solent NHS Trust. Read her reflective blog on Interfaith and how she believes it can unite us.

“Interfaith Week begins on Remembrance Sunday and this significant date was chosen for a specific purpose - to strengthen good interfaith relations and highlight the positive contribution of faith communities to society. Also remembering the service and sacrifice of soldiers and civilians of many faiths and beliefs.

“November seems to be a time for remembering, not only for us a country on Armistice day but also for us as individuals.

“The pandemic has changed many things in our lives and challenged us to live with the unknowing. Maybe, Interfaith Week is the time for reflecting upon the rules and rhythms of our own lives, whether we would interpret that as our own faith pilgrimage or maybe we have other ways of describing our spiritual life. Of recognising and responding to the needs of our human spirit. Our meaning, purpose and connectedness and the importance of our humanity and individuality which has a huge impact on all our well-being.

“Rowan Williams once said; ‘Interfaith Week is not just sitting around with a cup of tea and being nice to each other, there is a great deal more to it than that!’

“While our great religious traditions are distinct in belief and practices, there is much that unites us. We draw on those fundamental values held in common and on the wisdom of our respective faith traditions to continue to work for the wellbeing of society, and our wider global community, the planet that is our home.

“Therefore, it is with deep sorrow that we heard about the Notre-Dame Basilica in Nice in France - where people had been attacked and murdered in their places of worship. The Interfaith Network for the United Kingdom released a joint statement in which they condemned this act of violent extremism and said: ‘Such attacks on places of worship are a reminder that we stand together and to continue to work together with ever greater urgency against ignorance, prejudice and hatred.' Their statement can be read in full on their website.” www.interfaithweek.org.uk

Emma continues, “This week is facilitated by the Inter Faith Network for the UK and, it is community-led, with local people of different faiths and beliefs. Up and down the country they are holding online events to highlight the work going on to promote understanding between people of different faiths and beliefs. This is only one of the numerous ways where we can value one another with gratitude and mutual attentiveness. As members of our Multi-Faith Resource group we share in that vision and uphold the Heart Values of Solent NHS Trust.

“We are here to support and be alongside colleagues of all faiths and none. Maybe, in this time of acute crisis, regardless of whether we have a faith or not, we can be a sign of hope, dignity and respect.”

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Please visit our services page for specific services and contact details. Alternatively, contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service by emailing or calling the number below. You can also give us feedback, make a complaint or share a compliment.

pals@solent.nhs.uk

0800 013 2319

*Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was passed on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, with full access granted in January 2005.

The Act sets out exemptions to that right and places certain obligations on public authorities.

Email: InformationGovernanceTeam@solent.nhs.uk

Phone: 0300 123 3919

*Subject to any exemptions which apply, we are obliged to provide the information requested please note that requests for Personal Information is not covered under this Act and should be applied for through the Data Protection Act 1998.

Our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton.

While our services can be found around various NHS locations in Southampton and Portsmouth (and surrounding districts), our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton at:

Highpoint Venue
Bursledon Road
Southampton
SO19 8BR

If you require a printable version of how to find us including bus times, car access and bike info please download our leaflet. (Copyright of Highpoint Venue).

Central office phone: 0300 123 3390

*Lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

If you are a journalist with a media enquiry, please contact the Communications Team at:

communications@solent.nhs.uk

0300 123 4156 or 02381 031076

The Communications Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.