It's official - Paul is the Oasis Academy Mayfield Chaplain
Paul Woodman has been appointed as the Chaplain for Oasis Academy Mayfield. He has been a supporter of the Academy since it started in 2008. He has helped with launching our Strengthening Families Course and organised several Academy Quiz Nights, as well as being around the Academy to support students and staff. Paul has been based in Sholing for many years and now lives close to the Academy.
 Funding for Oasis Chaplains has come from Oasis UK following Steve Chalke’s record-breaking fund-raising after running the London Marathon earlier this year. Pictured here is Steve Chalke as featured in the Guinness Book of Records after raising £2.3 million this year. The money raised includes restricted donations for Chaplaincies to be established in the 14 Academies that Oasis run across the UK. Oasis Academy Mayfield has welcomed this additional resource and pleased to formalise a role with Paul.
The Chaplain role will be an additional support available flexibly throughout the week and with Paul spending allocated time in the Academy on Monday mornings, Wednesday afternoons and most lunch-times.
Commenting on his appointment, Paul Woodman said:
“As soon as I heard that two new Academies were being launched in Southampton, I wanted to support the venture and help in whatever way I could to help ensure their success. I have been the honorary chaplain to the Academy over the past three years and have given whatever time allowed to supporting the Academy. Funding from Oasis allows me to release more time to this work. It’s an exciting opportunity that not only provides pastoral support for the Academy students and staff but also increases the links the Academy will have with its local community”.
What is an Academy Chaplain?
Every Oasis Academy will have a Chaplain – a key member of staff who provides not just spiritual input as and when it’s needed, but works with both staff and students to provide support and pastoral care.
 It is this attention to the welfare of students and the pastoral care provided that makes sure that every student at the Academy is known, loved and nurtured.
The Chaplaincy also provides both staff and students with a listening ear and quiet place to go – a place for contemplation and reflection. A place where confidential help can be given during what can be a difficult time as students go from childhood into the adult world.
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