How do you set up a new University Chaplaincy service?

In September 2013 I was appointed to set up a new Chaplaincy service for three UK universities on one campus. And 'impossible task' was the chorus I heard most often by those in the sector.

The Universities of Canterbury Christ Church, Greenwich and Kent have schools or faculties on the Medway Campus Chatham Maritime Kent. A historic and significant ex naval base this site was acquired about 2 decades ago to establish H.E. presence in this underrepresented region of the UK. Apart from Drill Hall library there is no shared service, apart from chaplaincy.

Canterbury Christ Church at Medway Campus Touchdown cafe with Katie Dine, activities officer

Kent University at Medway Campus

Pembroke Buildings, Greenwich University's Engineering faculty at Medway Campus

Funded by the unique partnership of 3 universities and Rochester cathedral how do you go about setting up a chaplaincy?

You take a trusted and tried Trinitarian theology...
You trust the capacity you have as a mother to love equally 3 very different children...
You take the skills learnt in establishing 4 educational chaplaincies in Australia...
And best of all!
Being an ordained vocational deacon and not a priest in the Anglican church you embody 'go in peace to love and serve the Lord'.

Loving and serving - this is how you set up a new University Chaplaincy service.

Chaplaincy at Freshers Fayre 2013