Themed tea parties: a student-led model for belonging, wellbeing and community

Ramitha Nittore Ramnath,
Assistant Hindu Chaplain and student, University of Chester

This session explores a student-led initiative from the University of Chester that is redefining how we create spaces for belonging.

Through themed tea parties, Ramitha Nittore Ramnath has designed informal, psychologically safe environments that foster honest dialogue around identity and wellbeing. You’ll learn how to design small-scale engagement spaces, gather and translate qualitative insights into institutional change, and implement a low-cost, scalable model that strengthens international student integration and cross-campus collaboration. Backed by measurable outcomes, this session offers a practical and human-centred approach to building community.


Key takeaways

  • Design small-scale, psychologically safe spaces that foster meaningful dialogue

  • Translate qualitative student insight into actionable institutional change

  • Implement a low-cost, student-led model that supports integration and collaboration


About Ramitha

Ramitha is an undergraduate international student and Assistant Hindu Chaplain at the University of Chester. She leads the award-winning Themed Tea Party initiative, creating inclusive spaces for dialogue on wellbeing and identity. Recognised as UKCISA Student of the Year 2025, she is committed to amplifying student voice and building compassionate, community-led approaches to belonging.


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Fostering and weaving a sense of community belonging through libraries