Zara Rawlinson, Racial Justice Officer for the Diocese of Rochester, was delighted to join students recently at the University of Greenwich, Medway campus, for a time of informal and open conversation.
Called ‘Table Talk’, it was hosted by the Rev Christa Brodie-Levinsohn, the University Chaplain, who supports students and staff from all faiths and none across the three universities based at the Medway Campus.
Held over lunch, the session focused on the theme of welcome and brought together around 15 students, the majority of whom were international students.
The Table Talk format created a relaxed and accessible space, allowing students to speak honestly about their experiences of belonging, inclusion, and exclusion.
Many students shared negative experiences, including feelings of isolation, moments of discrimination, and uncertainty about where to seek support.
Zara says the conversations were deeply insightful and reinforced the importance of providing safe spaces where students feel heard, believed, and valued:
“It was wonderful to spend time with the students, to listen, to share more about my role, and something of the Diocese’s ongoing Racial Justice work.
“We also had the opportunity to explore together practical ways to challenge discrimination and strengthen cultures of welcome within both university and community settings.”
Zara says the discussion was collaborative, reflective, and hopeful, with students, “actively engaging in thinking about how change can happen; not only institutionally, but also through everyday actions, allyship, and peer support.”
Importantly, this Table Talk is not a one-off conversation.
Following the session, Zara and Christa have begun exploring future work together, including the possibility of regular drop-in sessions to provide listening support, guidance, and signposting for students who are experiencing discrimination or struggling with belonging.
These sessions would contribute to a wider, joined-up approach to wellbeing, inclusion, and justice, and would sit alongside existing university support, which includes the University of Greenwich's Report and Support system.
This is an online portal which allows a student who knows someone or who has themselves experienced or witnessed any form of harassment, to report it anonymously or ask to speak to a trained advisor to get information on reporting options and support available, so that they can make an informed decision on what happens next.
Zara says this work underway with Christa connects closely with the Diocese’s broader commitment to Racial Justice, welcoming communities, and growing safe and healthy cultures:
“Listening to lived experience, particularly from those who are often unheard, remains central to how we as a diocesan family can shape meaningful, responsive action.
“I am so grateful to Christa for hosting and facilitating this important space, and to the students who shared so openly and courageously. I look forward to developing this partnership and finding more opportunities for engagement.”
For more information about ongoing Racial Justice work and the support Zara can provide to parishes and other settings with the Diocese, visit www.rochester.anglican.org/everyday-faith/ourfaithinaction/racial-justice/
Racial Justice Sunday takes place on Sunday 8 February. For ideas about how to mark the occasion and to read an encouragement from our bishops, click here.