{"id":195,"date":"2015-11-18T16:49:16","date_gmt":"2015-11-18T16:49:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beta.devon.gov.uk\/equality\/communities\/religion-faith-or-belief\/contemplation-and-prayer-room\/"},"modified":"2025-03-06T14:07:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T14:07:00","slug":"contemplation-and-prayer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/equality\/our-commitment\/contemplation-and-prayer","title":{"rendered":"Contemplation and prayer facilities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As part of our commitment to employee wellbeing and diversity, we provide Contemplation and Prayer Rooms at County Hall and Great Moor House. Where a designated room isn’t available, staff may be able to book a small meeting room or make use of the grounds. A (multi-use) room is available for prayer and contemplation at Taw View. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What can the room be used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The rooms can be used for prayer, contemplation or meditation. Instructions for use are below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staff can observe short periods for daily prayer commitments, meditation, or contemplation (in line with the practice of their religion or belief) in DCC buildings as part of their working hours without their manager\u2019s approval, in line with normal department practices for other short breaks. If employees need to take longer breaks, these should also be managed in line with normal department or team practices, such as taking flexi time, obtaining line management approval and ensuring calendars indicate the employee is unavailable during that period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where is the room and what is it like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

County Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The room is number 271, on the second floor of the main building. From main reception, take the stairs on the left through the glass doors, or the lift to the second floor. The room is just beyond the glass enclosed meeting room (‘the goldfish bowl’). The room is clearly marked with signage. Please ask main reception for directions or assistance if needed. Visitors will need to ensure their security pass will give them access to the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The room is simply furnished and decorated. The room is accessible to wheelchair users, however the door is not automated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Men’s toilet facilities are located along the corridor and the nearest women’s toilet is on the floor below. There are plans for washing and wudu facilities to be created. In the meantime, washing facilities are located in the main building on the ground floor (this room also includes an accessible toilet, is a gender-neutral single unit, and is located beside the entrance to the archway leading to the Committee Suites). Facilities are also available in the Annexe Basement and Lucombe House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The room needs to be booked in advance (see instructions for use below). Please check it is available before use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pictures of the room<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\"The
Lift on the second floor. On exiting the lift, the room is to the left.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Picture
If using the stairs, the room is straight ahead, just beyond the glass meeting room.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The room has a sign outside which indicates its availability. Don’t forget to adjust this before and after use.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"A
The floor is half carpeted and half wooden. Please remove your shoes before walking on the carpet.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"The
There are plenty of seating options in the room.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"At
Carpeted area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Wooden floor area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Great Moor House<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A temporary small room has been allocated (formerly HR Meeting Room 2), please ask reception staff for availability and directions. The room can be accessed by lifts or stairs close by. The room is accessible to wheelchair users, however the door is not automated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are washing facilities in the building for staff and visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A more permanent location for the room is under consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pictures of the room<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Contemplation and prayer facility at Great Moor House<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Inside the room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Taw View<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Appledoor Room at Taw View is available to book for the use of prayer and contemplation. Washing facilities are available on site, please speak to reception for directions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To access the Appledoor Room from the main entrance, turn right into the waiting area, and it is the second door on the right.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pictures of the room<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\"Appledoor<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Appledoor<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Instructions for use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our rooms provide a place for staff, Members, contractors and visitors to go when they need time to meditate, worship or contemplate. They can be used for individual or group prayer or meditation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer and Contemplation Rooms are NOT available as a quiet or confidential meeting room. People wishing to discuss problems or private issues with another, or to simply relax, should seek alternative accommodation or make use of the extensive grounds at County Hall (when the weather is nice!). ‘The Bistro’ is designated as a quiet space at Great Moor House. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note that the Appledoor Room at Taw View is multi-use and is also used as a meeting room, therefore these instructions do not apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please observe these instructions for use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n