Safeguarding note
The Season of Safeguarding puts survivors and vulnerable people first.
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact our Safeguarding & Welfare Team at [email protected]
If you would like support but feel that you do not want to speak to anyone at the Cathedral, there is additional support available.
If you have an emergency safeguarding concern, please call the Police on 999.
Season of Safeguarding
Friday 13 – Sunday 22 November
Our annual Season of Safeguarding returns this November, with a number of events and services to reflect, listen and learn.
These will include: Eucharist and Evensong on Safeguarding Sunday (15 November); an invitation to reflect with 'Soles of Our Shoes'; a designated Chapel as a place of prayer for Victims and Survivors; an opportunity to tie ribbons on the railings outside Cathedral House to create a LOUDfence to show support and solidarity for those affected by abuse; and more.
In collaboration with Canterbury Cathedral and the Diocese of Canterbury, this week brings together parishes across the diocese for focused reflection, prayer, and safeguarding activities.
Special events and services How to take part Additional support The Connecting Canterbury Living Directory
Special events and services
Throughout the week
Mon 16 – Fri 20 November
- Hourly prayers focusing on the Season of Safeguarding
- Safe space sessions run by Rising Sun for our Cathedral community to talk about experiences
Soles of our Shoes
Fri 13 - Mon 23 November
An opportunity to reflect, and write your own prayers to hang on our prayer tree.
LOUDfence Installation
From Friday 13 November
An opportunity to tie ribbons on the railings outside Cathedral House to create a LOUDfence, to show support and solidarity for those affected by abuse.
The aim of LOUDfence is to give survivors, the entire church and wider society a voice. LOUDfence celebrates the act of openness and truth telling. This provides a direct counter challenge to any culture which seeks to hide in the silence.
Find out more: https://loudfence.com/work.html
Safeguarding Sunday
Sunday 15 November
11:00 Eucharist
A service dedicated to safeguarding with readings by representatives of the Rising Sun charity and collection; followed by time for discussion over coffee.
17:30 Choral Evensong
This service will include a formal dedication of the Holy Innocents Chapel as the chapel for Victims and Survivors of Abuse.
Also livestreamed on our YouTube channel
Safeguarding Holy Communion
Wednesday 18 November, 12:30
The regular Wednesday Eucharist will have a special focus on safeguarding.
Afterwards, the congregation invited to visit the 'Soles of Our Shoes' to reflect.
Evensong in the Season of Safeguarding
Sunday 22 November, 17:30
A service dedicated to safeguarding, with a focus on the Mothers Union 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, with readings and prayers from representatives.
After the service, the congregation will be invited to tie ribbons on the LoudFence.
Also livestreamed on our YouTube channel
Find out about events related to Safeguarding happening across the Diocese of Canterbury
How to take part
Everyone is invited to contribute to the Season of Safeguarding, either by attending Cathedral events or running parallel activities in your own parish.
Ideas of how you can participate:
- Create a local prayer space and provide prayer materials.
- Use the Diocesan Prayer Calendar and Thirtyone:eight Safeguarding Sunday Resources.
- Hold themed services, a Service of Lament, or a child-safety session (Resources for this will be provided soon).
Additional Support
Safe Spaces is free and independent service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church - 0300 303 1056 / [email protected]
Building Hope (independent advocacy service) - 0300 110 110
Samaritans - 116 123 (24 hrs)
NSPCC - 0808 800 5000 / [email protected]
Childline - 0800 1111
MACSAS (Minister And Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors) - 0808 8010 340 / [email protected]
Survivor Voices - Please use this contact form.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247
Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Partnership - 0808 2000 247
Family Matters Kent - 01474 536 661 / [email protected]
East Kent Rape Crisis Centre - 0800 458 2318
Kent County Council Children’s Safeguarding - 03000 41 41 41 / [email protected]
Kent County Council Adult Protection - 03000 41 9191 / [email protected]
The Connecting Canterbury Living Directory
The aim of this living directory is to list the details of churches, charities, organisations, and individuals committed to supporting people in various types of need - located in and around Canterbury.
Connecting Canterbury is a Christian Charity run by volunteers supported by Christians Together in Canterbury and other Christians and churches in the local area under The Social Justice Network, part of the Diocese of Canterbury.