About the group

The Spirituality Special Interest Group (SSIG) exists to develop understanding of the meaning and application of spirituality in health and social care. It will do this by working together in an open, respectful and rigorous way to promote and conduct research, teaching and other academic activity concerning spirituality and related concepts (for example, compassionate care, person-centred care, values-based practice and intelligent kindness).

Aim and objectives

The aim of the SSIG is to integrate spirituality into health and social care delivery and practice in order to enhance holistic care. This will be pursued through;

• The development of a broader understanding of spirituality and how this impacts the individual, the community, wider society and professional practice
• The provision of education and training on spirituality in health and social care and offer a resource to professionals
• The increasing of awareness of personal and professional issues related to spirituality and spiritual care
• The provision of a forum for debate and the promotion of research on spirituality in health and social care
• The development and sharing of expertise on spirituality in health and social care and the impact on professional practice through research, education and publication

Terms of reference

• We are not affiliated to any religious denomination or group and will not be promoting any organised religion.
• We are part of the Centre for Applied Research in Health (CARH) accountable to the Director of CARH, to the Head of the Department of Health Sciences and to the Head of the Division of Health and Rehabilitation.
• We use the term 'spirituality' in the broadest sense to incorporate what gives hope, meaning and purpose and how this may affect care, well-being and quality of life.
• We hope to enhance well-being individually and in community by addressing spirituality in health and social care.
• We aim to develop professional practice to empower professionals to become more holistic practitioners.
• We will continue to conduct and promote research in spirituality and health and social care.
• We will become a specialist resource to all courses across the school and assist in integrating spirituality into teaching.
• We have developed, and will continue to develop, local, national and international links.
• Additionally, we will provide further study days, conferences, and meetings for the SSIG. We will continue to provide an open forum for any interested parties to attend. Ideas of how to develop the SSIG will be encouraged at our regular meetings.

Themes

• Education
• Research
• Professional practice
• Personal growth

Links

• British Association for the Study of Spirituality
• Centre of Spirituality Studies. University of Hull

Contact

If you require any further information regarding the SSIG please contact:
Melanie Rogers
E-mail: m.rogers@hud.ac.uk