Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England or the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
Safeguarding Bishop
Bishop Paul Mason, Lead Bishop on Safeguarding, welcomes the launch:
“I am very pleased to announce the launch of a new service dedicated to the support and accompaniment of those who have suffered abuse within the Church, which will complement the existing support services within the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
“Safe Spaces, a joint Catholic/Anglican initiative, is the fruit of an ongoing collaboration between the churches who wish to reach out to and support those who have experienced such abuse.
“The charity Victim Support (VS) will independently manage the project with the aim of offering help to anyone who may have experienced trauma in the context of church activity. Their experience in offering support to victims of abuse, support which not only puts victims first but which is also informed by their experience, is a great step in helping us to hear and respond in a more concrete way to their needs.”
Independent
Although the churches funded the service, it is run independently by the charity Victim Support, who is one of the leading charities providing specialist support to survivors of abuse in England and Wales. We work towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and respect they deserve.
It comprises a team of trained support advocates who have undergone specialist training in supporting survivors of sexual violence and who have received additional specific training in how the churches respond to abuse cases, the way in which faith and church-related settings have been used to carry out abuse, and the particular issues affecting people who have had or still have, a relationship with the church.
The team is based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, but it is a national service providing remote support through our helpline, live chat service, and website. Remote support is provided for as long as the survivor needs. This can be advocating for the survivor, giving them support, providing information (including information on church and police procedures), understanding individual needs, and jointly working on individual support plans. If face-to-face support is also required, contact and referrals will be made with appropriate local organizations depending on need.
Telephone, Live Chat, Email, and Website
From Tuesday, September 29, 2020, a telephone helpline and live chat facility is available from Monday – Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm, apart from Thursdays when the service is open 12 – 8 pm.
Telephone
0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
Email
safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk
LiveChat/Website
safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
