Safeguarding Sunday 2025

On Sunday 16th November 2025, churches across the UK will come together for Safeguarding Sunday – an awareness-raising campaign led by Thirtyone:eight, the UK’s leading independent Christian safeguarding charity https://thirtyoneeight.org/

Our parish is taking part in our 9.30am and 11.15 am services.

We will be hearing from our parish Safeguarding leads Jennie Brindley and Lucy Williams.   We will also be hearing from Rev Sue Clarke who does safeguarding training for the Diocese.

There is a lot of work behind the scenes to develop Safeguarding in the parish:

– Two Safeguarding Leads, Lucy and Jennie, who report regularly to the PCC

– A Safeguarding Team, which meets regularly

– DBS checks for all volunteers, carried out by Lucy and Jennie, including taking up references and asking volunteers to complete the all important Diocesan training, which volunteers complete online or face-to-face.  We need you to do this!

– Risk Assessments and Leader & Assistant Safeguarding Leads for all Activities/Ministries.

But Safeguarding is not just about official roles.  It’s about everyone being alert, kind and good at listening!  And knowing you can also speak to Lucy or Jennie or any of the clergy if there is something you don’t feel comfortable about.  We will be discreet and non-judgemental, and know what help is available.

As in God’s strength we strive to be welcoming, loving and Jesus centred, we can all play our part to in building a strong and beautiful community where every child and adult feels safe, protected and cared for.

Visit the parish safeguarding page here

WHY DO WE NEED SAFEGUARDING SUNDAY?

Peter Wright, Thirtyone:eight’s Head of Communications and campaign lead said,
*Protecting vulnerable people from harm and speaking up for their rights is an integral part of our scriptural mandate as Christians. Sadly, the church hasn’t always done this well. But we have a chance to change that. When we look at the life of Jesus, he didn’t just teach, he took action that backed up his words. That’s why our theme and focus for this year is – ‘Action Speaks Louder. It’s time to move from talking about safeguarding to taking action. We need to improve where we’ve got it wrong and do more of what we’re getting right. It’s a chance to reflect, build on good work, and act on preventing abuse and creating a Church where everyone can feel and be safe.
Peter says, Taking just one Sunday to talk about safeguarding, can have a huge impact.
Whatever the tradition or style of your church, if you have just a few minutes or can dedicate
a whole service it all counts. Last year over 5,000 churches united and took part
Join us and be part of this incredible movement for good.”

For more information about the campaign and to register go to: SafeguardingSunday.org