Safe Spaces
The Church of England has launched ‘Safe Spaces’, an online and telephone service to help survivors and victims of abuse carried out by clergy or church officers, however long ago it happened.
Victim Support, a national charity with a track record of providing survivor support, has been commissioned to run the service and specialist training has been provided to the people who will be providing the support. It will run initially for 2 years.
The Bishop of Southampton, Debbie Sellin, Deputy Lead Safeguarding Bishop for the Church of England, said:
“I’m delighted that this service will shortly be available to offer support and advice to survivors of abuse.
“I want to express my thanks to all those who have helped to bring the project together, particularly the survivors who have given of their time and energy.
“In Victim Support, we have an excellent operational lead, and we look forward to continuing a constructive partnership with then as well as the other denominations involved.
“I commend the service for use and hope colleagues will do all they can to promote it locally.”
Heather Bland, one of our Salisbury Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers, says:
"We take safeguarding very seriously in the Diocese and this is another step in the process of making our churches safer places for people to worship in and to ensure we are providing proper care and support to people who have been directly affected by abuse in the Church of England."
To access support, visit www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.
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