Safe Spaces
Launched in September 2020, this free, independent and confidential service offers support to survivors of Church-related abuse whether or not a report has been made. It is run by the charity Victim Support and funded by the Church of England together with the Catholic Church in England and Wales and the Church in Wales.
Safe Spaces 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 service is for those who may have experienced any form of abuse, including sexual, physical, financial, psychological (including spiritual abuse), domestic abuse, and coercive and controlling behaviour.
Safe Spaces has been launched following the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) which published its report following an investigation into the Church of England (and Church in Wales).
It is free to access via telephone, e-mail or web-chat.
Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
Website: safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
E-mail: [email protected]
WebChat – via the Safe Spaces website
Links and resources
You can find further advice and information on a range of subjects below.
Diocesan Children and Youth Team
Advice and resources for working with children, young people and families can be found on our Children and Youth pages.
Local authorities in South London and East Surrey
- Bromley: bromley.gov.uk/site
- Croydon: croydon.gov.uk
- Greenwich: royalgreenwich.gov.uk
- Kingston: kingston.gov.uk
- Lambeth: lambeth.gov.uk
- Lewisham: lewisham.gov.uk
- Merton: merton.gov.uk
- Richmond: richmond.gov.uk
- Southwark: southwark.gov.uk
- Surrey: surreycc.gov.uk
- Sutton: sutton.gov.uk
- Wandsworth: wandsworth.gov.uk
If you are unsure which local authority you need, visit gov.uk/find-local-council
NHS Social Care and Support Guide
If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this website explains your options and where you can get support.
National Church guidance
Further information on safeguarding from the National Church can be found here:
Coronavirus-related information and advice from the National Church can be found here:
Helplines
- NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
- Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
- Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
- Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (freephone Monday to Friday 9- 5pm).
