Religion, Places of Worship

Religion and Places of Worship

For many international recruits, finding a place to worship is an important early step in settling into life in the UK. Places of worship can provide familiarity, peer support, pastoral care and a sense of belonging beyond the workplace.

This page helps providers signpost recruits to faith communities and places of worship across Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

Why this matters for providers

Faith and belief can play an important role in:

• Emotional and mental wellbeing
• Coping with transition, stress and homesickness
• Building community networks
• Maintaining cultural identity

Supporting access to places of worship demonstrates inclusion and respect, and can contribute positively to workforce retention and wellbeing.

Participation should always be voluntary and led by the individual.

Finding Places of Worship

The links below provide entry points to some of the more commonly practised religions in the region. They are not exhaustive, and many organisations can help signpost to local congregations.

Portsmouth

Christian and Catholic

Church of England – Portsmouth

Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth

Buddhist

Portsmouth Buddhist Community

Jewish

Portsmouth and Southsea Hebrew Congregation

Muslim

Portsmouth Central Masjid (Mosque)

Sikh

Guru Nanak Sar Gurdwara

Hampshire

Christian and Catholic

Church of England – Hampshire

Diocese of Winchester (Church of England)

Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth (covers much of Hampshire)

Buddhist

Cittaviveka Monastery – Petersfield

Hampshire Buddhist Society – Romsey

Buddhist Community Centre UK (BCCUK) – Aldershot

Hindu

Hampshire Puja and Cultural Association

Hindu Society – Basingstoke

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – Havant

Jewish

South Hants Reform Synagogue

Muslim

Winchester Muslims

Hampshire Islamic Outreach Society

Southampton

Christian and Catholic

Church of England – Southampton

Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth (covers Southampton)

Buddhist

Southampton Buddhist Centre

Southampton Meditation Group

Hindu

Vedic Society (Southampton area)

Jewish

Southampton Hebrew Congregation

Sikh

Singh Sabha Southampton

Local Sikh community Facebook group

Isle of Wight

Christian and Catholic

Church of England – Isle of Wight

Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth (covers the Island)

Buddhist

Local Buddhist places of worship (various groups and meeting spaces)

Jewish

Jewish places of worship and networks on the Isle of Wight

For broader support and signposting, providers and recruits can also use Isle Find It, the Isle of Wight’s community directory.

Good Practice for Providers

Providers can support faith and belief inclusion by:

• Asking recruits whether faith or worship is important to them
• Including information about local places of worship during induction
• Being flexible around religious observance where possible
• Respecting all beliefs, including those with no religious affiliation
• Signposting without assumption or pressure

Creating space for religious and spiritual wellbeing supports a respectful, inclusive and culturally competent workplace.