Open Lecture – Faith at the RHN
Tuesday 20 January 2026
Online via Zoom
Inspired by conversations with patients as part of the ‘Legacy of Care’ project marking 170 years of the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability’s history, this lunchtime Open Lecture webinar brings to life – for the first time – the full history of religion and faith at the RHN.
Sharing newly-discovered facts, characters and stories from the RHN’s Archives and beyond, volunteer archive researcher Carl Banks will present an exciting cast of historical personalities, key events and generous acts of philanthropy which created, shaped and fostered spiritual lives and spaces at the Hospital.
You’ll hear an overview of this religious history, beginning with the RHN’s spiritual foundations in 1854 right up to the present day. Drawing on the past voices of patients, staff and, especially, Chaplains, we’ll explore how spiritual needs have been raised, met – or not – and how they have evolved across the decades.
Pastor Geoff Coyne, our current Chaplain, will bring to light the religious and non-religious spiritual needs of people at the RHN today.
There will time for questions and answers.
Lead Facilitator
Sarah Hayward
Project Manager
RHN
The lecture is free but please register online as places are limited.
If you enjoy the lecture and would like to make a small donation to our charity, you can donate here.
For more information, please call 020 8780 4500 ext 5141 or email [email protected].