COMMENDEE 2024-25

Initial Recommendation

This nomination followed an initial recommendation from Michelle Price, Director of Oakhill.

I would like to recommend and fully support the Butler Trust nomination for Alwiya Aboudi, the Chaplain at Oakhill, who we refer to as ‘Aunty’.  Firstly, I am aware that Aunty has become the first female Muslim Chaplain ever to be appointed in the adult estate, this is unprecedented and a unique first that adds to the list of why we are super proud of Aunty and all she does for everyone at Oakhill and beyond.

Aunty has spent 16 years at HMP Woodhill and 4 years at Oakhill STC, during this time she has offered pastoral support, support to religious and non-religious children and staff, and supports parents of our children.  Aunty is one of the first people the children will see during the admissions process, which can be very daunting.  Her calming nature and reassurance undoubtedly helps this process.  At this very emotional time, when a child will feel so much uncertainty, she offers compassion, comfort and optimism. Engaging with the young people during the first few days is vital, and the connection Aunty can make allows for an understanding of what is and will be happening.

Aunty will often tell you that if she can help just one child she believes this is an achievement and a blessing.  I can tell you she has helped multiple children.  If a child in our care does not have visitors, she will spend time with them so they know that they are important, that they do matter and that we do care.  Aunty always ensures each child receives a birthday card and voucher and also gives them a release card when they are leaving.

I can honestly say that when the children are around Aunty, they light up and become the best versions of themselves, polite, engaged and very smiley.  The respect she receives is inspiring and it is so easy to feel the kindness that Aunty exudes, which makes us all feel appreciated and valued.

Aunty often cooks for the children to celebrate significant events and ensures that everyone is welcome and can participate, even if this means doing it in her own time.  Recently, Aunty has developed an additional education pathway initiative to enable children who are struggling and not attending school to receive pastoral support from the Chaplaincy which helps them back into education.  Her proactive engagement with all of the children in our care is outstanding.

Aunty is an absolute asset to Oakhill, to the children and to the staff, and has had a massive impact on all of those around her as you will see in her testimonials.

Supporting Documentation

Testimonials

Revd Dr Phil Wall – Oakhill Chaplain Alwiya is a remarkable Chaplain who has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and children alike at Oakhill STC.

When she first started at the Secure Training Centre, there were no Qur’an study sessions and sporadic Friday prayers.  As the years have gone by, through her dedication to pastoral work and engaging study sessions she has established a flourishing Muslim community at Oakhill, with weekly Qur’an studies; highly valued Friday prayers; and an ever-growing demand for one-to-ones.

Usually known as “Aunty” to the children of Oakhill, she is highly valued by them – both those who are Muslim and those who aren’t and effortlessly shows the children that people of a different age, gender, ethnicity, and nationality to them, have something to teach them. As a staff member, Alwiya is incredibly caring and spends a lot of her time offering pastoral support to Officers. As my only Chaplain Colleague (at the time), Alwiya welcomed me with open arms and a broad smile, patiently teaching me about the unique dynamics and blessings of life at Oakhill. She always encourages inter-faith learning and cross-department collaboration. Alwiya has been an integral part of the wider support for girls since they returned to Oakhill in autumn 2022. Whether listening to their laments, challenging disruptive behaviour, or helping them explore their faith, Alwiya gives time and energy to the girls’ unit. As a female Muslim chaplain, guiding and teaching boys (and girls), she provides them with a strong role model and example of thoughtful female leadership.

In addition to her status at Oakhill, Alwiya is a highly valued staff member at HMP Woodhill. Her years of impressive work across departments were recognised when she was encouraged to apply for, and subsequently was offered, the role of Muslim chaplain, making her, I have been told, the only female Muslim Chaplain employed in the adult male estate in the UK today. This speaks of the respect in which she is held and the trust she inspires.

Tanya Kambanga SCO Oakhill STC

Alwiya is a bright supportive light in Oakhill. She embodies a mother’s unconditional love that encourages the young people at Oakhill to strive for better and supporting staff through the difficult operational pressures. She’s compassionate, empathetic and non-judgemental, which in turn has created safe space for both young people and staff at Oakhill STC. It’s a pleasure to honour her great work as she is always challenging all of us to do and want better for ourselves, and humankind as a whole. She handles herself with such grace and humility, she’s very well deserving to be honoured with the Butler’s Trust Award.

Vishall Paul – Senior Residential Manager Oakhill STC

Alwiya is always smiling and sharing her care with the staff and children at Oakhill. I have observed Alwiya standing outside for education moves and greeting every child with respect and care. She always makes time for the children and staff at Oakhill. Alwiya is not only completing her role from a religious perspective however, and will link in with all children who are new to Oakhill to make them feel welcome and also speak with parents/carers. She is always showing her care to the staff at Oakhill greeting then with care and respect. She is a great asset to Oakhill and her positive energy and permanent smile whilst she works at Oakhill see her as a positive religious leader/auntie and a motherly figure. Thank you Alwiya!

Governor Nicola Marfleet – HMP Woodhill

In her time at HMP Woodhill she says, ‘I think I have worked in every department except the gym!’ Fifteen years into service she has worked across uniform and non-uniform roles and most recently before she was promoted into her longed-for Band 5 Chaplain role, she was working in security, completing all the vetting applications. Career highlights for Alwiya Aboudi: Arriving in UK in 1990 as a refugee fleeing from war torn Somalia, who was reunited with her daughter 18 months after she left for the UK. Come from working in banking initially to starting as an OSG but unable to get a paid role in Chaplaincy, reached out to the managing Chaplain at the time for volunteering work. Had worked across various departments (operation and non-operation) and establishments since starting the prison service, even female prisons across the country, juvenile prison, and hours at local hospitals. Before being promoted to her dream job in the Chaplain role, she worked in security completing vetting for staff. Balanced having a family of 3 daughters and now manages her work life between various establishments to offer her expertise.  Collectively at HMP Woodhill we cannot recommend her enough for an individual who deserves to be considered for such an honourable award.

Sign Off

Alwiya or Aunty is a fabulous person and an asset to us at Oakhill. Alwiya genuinely cares for the children and the staff at Oakhill and will do anything she can to ensure they get the pastoral support they need. Alwiya will happily cook food for children and staff to celebrate significant events and will always ensure that everyone feels included. If a child is struggling, she will be the adult figure who goes above and beyond to listen and advocate for that child. She is a calm and reassuring presence and has such an endearing way about her. Aliwya has been instrumental in ensuring the ethos with the children is inclusive and caring.

Recently Alwiya has had an idea for an additional educational pathway that would enable children who are not attending school to receive pastoral support from the Chaplaincy to support them back into education.

We think Alwiya is an amazing individual who would be a very worthy recipient of this award.

Michelle Price

Governor,  Oakhill STC