A great education - an education that equips a child for fulfilment throughout life - is one that devotes just as much time to their emotional, social, moral and spiritual development as it does to their academic study.

What a privilege to speak at the launch of Oasis Hub Britwell alongside its leader Julie Siddiqi. Joined by a host of speakers from the local community, plus the world of medicine, education & social services, we all committed to work together to build an even stronger community.

The long journey to create the UK’s first Secure School, Oasis Restore, has been filled with bumps in the road. But it’s been worth it. And, here’s what ‘Children & Young People Now’ had to say about it.👇🏽
cypnow.co.uk/analysis/artic…

The real prosperity of our society can’t be measured by the number of millionaires, but by the inclusiveness of our education system, the absence of poverty, the prevalence of health, the care we offer to our most vulnerable members & the equality of opportunity we extend to all.

“We shape our systems, then they shape us.” Our political choices matter! Episode 12 of my Manifesto for Hope podcast with sociologist, theologian & my lifelong friend, Dr ⁦Tony Campolo⁩ out now! ⁦Red Letter Christians⁩ 🎧 Listen here: manifesto.oasisuk.org/episodes/12

The Prime Minister, then the Chancellor, said he couldn't find the money to fund the Covid Education Mental Health Recovery plan. But now, as the same children turn 18 he's got the cash to make them join the military, or volunteer at weekends to overcome their 'social deficit'.

With my dear friend Dave Moreton at just one of the evenings I spent with him as he was honoured for his work in creating inclusion for LGBT+ people, including within the Church. Dave died yesterday afternoon. All Oasis UK & so many more applaud him. Dave you lived life so well!

Instead of ignoring fact that young people already volunteer & then spending £2.5b a yr on a National Service scheme for 18yr olds, why not use it to lift children out of poverty, invest in schools, fix the broken care system, and put cash into our mental health & youth services?

Poor school attendance is a symptom of the real issue, not the cause. Instead of investment, this govt has pushed a brutal one size fits all system packed with testing, pressure & excessive rules, which means many schools just can't offer children the bespoke support they need.

“From a prison to a school…something remarkable is happening in Rochester: a place of punishment has been transformed into a place of restoration.”

Huw Spanner, after his visit to Oasis Restore. Read his article for Church Times here👇🏼
churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/…

We all know it’s time for change! That means it’s time for investment in our children, our young people, their parents & wider communities. If we really want to halve youth violence & knife crime, the only way is to double up on children’s & young people’s inclusion & wellbeing!

“We shape our systems, then they shape us.” Our political choices matter! Episode 12 of my Manifesto for Hope podcast with sociologist, theologian & my lifelong friend, Dr Tony Campolo Out now! Listen here: manifesto.oasisuk.org/episodes/12

Hallelujah! 4th July!! Independence day!!

A smart phone is a permanent link to the wildwest of social media, porn, violence, grooming, shaming & more. We care enough about children to insist they’re aged 17 before they drive a car, we should consider a minimum age for the use of a smart phone. It’s just as dangerous!

“People become what they believe.” The latest episode of my ‘Manifesto for Hope’ podcast. This episode is with Chine McDonald, Director of @theosthinktank! Chine’s work around spirituality & society is game-changing. 🎧 Listen here: manifesto.oasisuk.org/episodes/11

When we are told the wheels of government are 'rigid, inflexible, even inhuman', that they have conspired 'collectively, to deny not only justice, but truth', that 'there has been a hiding of much of the truth...to save face and to save expense', why are we not surprised?

“People become what they believe.” The latest episode of my ‘Manifesto for Hope’ podcast. This episode with Chine McDonald, Director of @theosthinktank! Chine’s work around spirituality & society is as profound as it is inspirational. 🎧 Listen here: manifesto.oasisuk.org/episodes/11

Any society that really cares about giving all its children the best possible start in life, must invest heavily in its schools, its children’s & youth provision, & its family support. To fail to do so exacts a huge price on its young as well as on its overall health & stability.

Why do we still accept the Victorian idea of schools holding bake sales & charities rattling tins to find cash for the welfare of our children? Surely, a top priority of any intelligent society is for its government to adequately invest in the education & health of its children.

Oasis Restore represents a revolution for the youth justice system & real hope for the young people who become our students. Yesterday we welcomed around 100 guests to meet our staff & discover more about the science behind our therapeutic work. More here👇🏼tes.com/magazine/analy…