New Helpline for PCR2

Work is underway on PCR2 in all 42 dioceses, and Bishop Mark Sowerby, who is chair of the national PCR Management Board has stressed how important the voices of victims are to the Review:

“The Church is committed to ensuring that survivor voices are heard, but we are aware that those who have suffered through the Church may prefer to speak to someone outside which is why we have commissioned the NSPCC helpline.

“We would urge anyone who wants to talk to please come forward. As a Church we must pray for all those involved, particularly survivors who may be reminded of their abuse, remembering that the effects of abuse are lifelong.”.

The Church was criticised for not including their voices in the original PCR 2007/8 as shown in an independent scrutiny report, published in 2018.

The guidelines for PCR2 were published in August 2019 and include an independent helpline run by the NSPCC for survivors.

Melissa Caslake, National Director of Safeguarding, said:

“This is a substantial and significant task to ensure that the Church is a safer place for all and it is vital we ensure that survivors feel they can come forward in confidence. As a Team we are developing best practice in responding well and we hope that the PCR2 process will help us deal with any concerns that have not been addressed, while learning important lessons for the future.”

If you want to get in touch in relation to PCR2, call the dedicated NSPCC independent helpline on 0800 802020 or contact other survivor support services, including our diocesan safeguarding team.

The work on PCR2 is expected to be completed by the end of 2020 and the final report published nationally in 2021.

If you want to know more about PCR2 in our Diocese, click here.