Maria Rystedt is a student chaplain in Östersund – offers a new discussion group

At the top of building G, next to the quiet room and near the student health service, student chaplain Maria Rystedt sits on Wednesday afternoons. For the past ten years, she has worked as a priest in Östersund parish with Lugnvikskyrkan as her base. She still does, but since the spring of 2024, it is also part of her job to be a student chaplain.

"Mainly it was the opportunity to have conversations that attracted me to this role. To be able to be a support to everyone, but perhaps mainly to students. Everyone has a moment in life when you need someone to talk to," says Maria.

The counselling she offers is free of charge, confidentiality is promised and you do not have to be a member of the Church of Sweden to receive support.

"You don't even have to have any faith, you can come just as you are. I think that's nice.

Life in large and small

Since Maria has been on campus since the spring, she has already had time for some conversations. She emphasizes that you are welcome to talk about what you want, it does not have to be about your studies or work.

"It can be about life in large and small, grief or relationships or just about anything.

If she feels that it is necessary, she helps to refer her to a health center or psychologist, for example. Once a month, she participates when the student health service arranges Stick and Talk, an appreciated event where students can come and do handicrafts and coffee.  

New concept

Starting 11 November, Maria Rystedt offers students the opportunity to join a new discussion group. The theme is existential health and the name of the discussion group is "Vital". The concept is based on a method developed by a priest in collaboration with a psychologist, where the starting point is open cards with questions about life and health. The last day to register is 4 November.

Contact:

Maria.rystedt@svenskakyrkan.se

063-195029

Contact to the Student Health Service