SOUTHAMPTON University chaplaincy has been saved from the axe after months of campaigning.

Its future was in doubt after a £1.6m cost cutting exercise was announced.

The threat came as the Diocese of Winchester battled to balance its books when churches failed to achieve a 3.8 per cent increase in their contributions because of the recession.

But now after five months of campaigns, discussions and fundraising efforts, the diocese has revealed that Anglican chaplain Rev Simon Stevens’ post is secure until July 2011 and that the chaplaincy is safe.

The Diocese leaders will now be investigating options for a part time Anglican chaplain.

The Free Church Chaplaincy has also revealed it will now fill the vacant role of Free Church Chaplain on campus in time for the new academic year.

A spokesman for The University of Southampton Chaplaincy Association said the future now looks secure for the vital service to the university community, which helps students suffering mental illness, bereavement, personal crisis, physical illness and exam stress.

He said: “The association is thankful that the Diocese has recognised the value of this core ministry. We would like to thank all persons involved in reaching this outcome. We are very appreciative of all the hard work, time and faith invested in this matter.”

The association has pledged to continue fundraising to employ a chaplaincy assistant to support the community after the recent withdrawal of the joint funding for that position.