28 February 2024
Learners at the London Design Engineering University Technical College (LDE UTC) study anything from Aviation to 3D Product Design, Digital Media to Architecture. That’s not the only thing that is unique about this college; of the 42 UTC’s set up to pioneer vocational and skills training it is the only UTC in the country with a paid multi faith chaplaincy team for all learners and staff.
The Revd Polly Kersys-Hull, explains more about the history of the College and her role within the Chaplaincy Team:
“LDE UTC was born from the passion of a small team, much of the energy from Revd Canon Chris Beales, a long-term friend of Chelmsford Diocese who sadly died in January of this year. His conviction that the church must remain on the front line of the lives of young people led Chelmsford Diocese to become a founding member of the college, and then a further 8-year relationship between the Diocese, the Centre of Theology and Community and the college has flourished. Canon Chris is said to ‘have seen the Kingdom of God both in and far beyond the Church.’
“Young people are at a formative point in their lives, education is part of the picture but institutions like LDU offer the space to form further than academics. As Jesus asks, ‘who do you say I am?’ so too ‘the question of identity is central to the life of every teenager,’ [1] chaplaincy can be a sacred space that allows a companion along the road of discovering who God has called you to be.
"The role of a chaplain is one of prayerful presence and attentive listening. To prioritise making the space for the issues, images and questions of those you are journeying with.The Chaplaincy Team are passionate about walking alongside others and together realising the power their voices have to bring about change. It’s vital to us, that the space be safe and that through the art of listening, truly hearing becomes holy ground.
“This Chaplaincy is unique, the investment from CTC allows it to be a team committed to cycles of social action, with young people, acting on things that they care about for the betterment of their lives. Chaplaincy and community organising have a clear synergy, both are rooted in observant listening and paying attention to context – it’s the creation of sacred space.
“In an average day we can see between 60-100 young people pass through the chaplaincy, many to pray, some to chat, cry, laugh and process experiences. We have held an exhibition of modern iconography of the stations of the cross, big question events, Gospel carol singing sessions and facilitated key moments in the school calendar – Black History Month, International Women’s, and Men’s Day to name a few. Recently a team of learners and staff from the Chaplaincy attended a Community Organising celebration in the Excel Centre and won an award for Activism! But it goes further than moments, moments build momentum. Momentum to deeply root faith and notice the Kingdom of God built in our midst.”
‘My faith is a lifeline for me, even if I’m holding on by a thread, I’m more alive with God.’
- LDE UTC Student
[1] Being a Chaplain, Miranda Threlfall-Holmes
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The Chaplaincy Team ran an exhibition of modern iconography of the stations of the cross
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The Chaplaincy Team held a Black History Month event
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a GCSE student's artwork on identity and faith
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Revd Polly Kersys-Hull speaking at the stations of the cross exhibition
