Award Winning Chaplain, Alwiya Aboudi

Alwiya’s warmth helps children in custody

Alwiya Aboudi works as a Chaplain at Oakhill Secure Training Centre and HMP Woodhill where her calm and warm manner has earned her the nickname “Aunty” by the young people and adults she supports, as well as the colleagues she works with.

Alwiya’s role in pastoral support means she is one of the first people the children see during the admissions process to Oakhill. Understandably this can be daunting for them, but Alwiya’s calming nature and reassurance helps this process. As Michelle Price, Director of Oakhill explained: “Engaging with the young people during their first few days is vital, and the connection Aunty can make allows for an understanding of what is happening. At this very emotional time, when a child will feel so much uncertainty, she offers compassion, comfort and optimism.

When appointed to the role of Chaplain at HMP Woodhill Alwiya became the UK’s first female Muslim Prison Chaplain. Prior to his appointment she had worked in several areas of the prison and said: “I think I have worked in every department except the gym!”

Alwiya wins Butler Trust Commendation

In 2025 Alwiya was awarded a Commendation in the prestigious Butler Trust Awards, following a nomination by Michelle Price and supporting testimonials from colleagues in both HMP Woodhill and Oakhill STC. Governor or HMP Woodhill, Nicola Marfleet, said: ”Collectively at HMP Woodhill we cannot recommend her enough for an individual who deserves to be considered for such an honourable award.” Alwiya’s compassion for those in her care is rooted in her own experiences of trauma.

She arrived in UK in 1990 as a refugee fleeing from war torn Somalia. At first unable to secure her dream job as Chaplain, she initially volunteered at HMP Woodhill’s Chaplaincy and worked through many different departments of the prison from security vetting for staff, to Operational Support Grade work.

At Oakhill STC she goes out of her way to ensure that the children in her care have access to the pastoral support they need, regardless of gender or religion. If a child is struggling, she will be the adult figure who goes above and beyond to listen and advocate for that child, recognising that sometimes something as simple as giving a birthday card can make a huge difference.

Alwiya has now worked in the prison estate for more than 16 years.

Alwiya's calming nature and reassurance undoubtedly helps this process. At this very emotional time, when a child can feel so much uncertainty, she offers compassion, comfort and optimism.

Michelle Price, Director of Oakhill STC.