Rowcroft’s Sanctuary and its multi-faith resources
At Rowcroft Hospice, The Sanctuary offers a peaceful space for prayer, meditation, rest or quiet reflection—open to all, whatever their beliefs. Just outside the room, a thoughtfully curated collection of multi-faith resources is available, with some items also found inside the Sanctuary itself.
“We’d like all our patients and their loved ones to feel they can be fully themselves,” says Katie Evans, Rowcroft’s Spiritual Care Specialist. “If someone has a religious faith, or it’s part of their culture or tradition, we want them to feel at home here – to be able to continue to be true to their faith in the ways that they hold dear, and to continue to draw strength and comfort from whatever brings meaning to their lives.”
The collection of multi-faith resources includes Christian Bibles (including large print and children’s versions), prayer books, hymn books, and holding crosses. For Muslim patients, colleagues and visitors, there are Qurans, a Quran speaker for audio recitations, prayer mats, and a compass for prayer direction. Buddhist reflections, meditation guides, and a small Buddha statue offer peace and comfort, while Hindu, Jewish, Baha’i, and Sikh scriptures are also available.
For those who are not religious, or who draw strength from nature or other forms of reflection, the Sanctuary offers poetry books, nature illustrations, natural objects such as pebbles, shells and pine cones, as well as tactile items such as lovingly handcrafted knitted hearts. “These items can be so grounding,” Katie explains. “For many, nature is a key part of their spirituality, and we want to honour that too. Just holding a pebble or looking at a beautiful image can be calming and comforting.”
Visitors are encouraged to use the space in whatever way feels right to them. “You set up the Sanctuary however you want for your own use,” Katie adds. “Resources are there for people to help themselves or ask a member of staff.”
Rowcroft’s Volunteer Faith and Belief Leaders from different traditions are available to support patients and families during their journeys, helping people feel recognised and cared for in line with their beliefs.
Anshin Devin Ashwood, Rowcroft’s Buddhist Volunteer Faith and Belief Leader who is a Buddhist Chaplain and Director of Gala House Meditation Centre says:
“The Sanctuary offers support to those inspired by Buddhist teachings in the form of reflections and meditation guides. There is also a Buddha statue which may help create a space of gentle calm as you connect to your practice of peace and universal kindness.”
Reverend Alison Beever, Rowcroft’s Christian Volunteer Faith and Belief Leader and Church of England priest adds:
“I meet people on their journey from life through death to beyond. Being able to give them a holding cross has a lot of significance, and can for some become a tactile keepsake for loved ones.”
Menachem Olberg, Rowcroft’s Jewish Volunteer Faith and Belief Leader says:
“Jewish patients going through difficult times believe that their strength will come from God and using scriptures from the Bible, so these resources in Rowcroft’s Sanctuary offer important support.”
Whether used for quiet contemplation, prayer, or simply a moment of calm, The Sanctuary is a space that welcomes everyone – offering support, comfort, and connection at the most challenging of times. You can find out more about Rowcroft’s spiritual care here, or if you have any questions, please email Rowcroft’s Spiritual Care Specialist Kate Evans at: katie.evans@rowcrofthospice.org.uk