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
Sunday 16 – Sunday 23 November
This November, we will be marking our first Season of Safeguarding with a number of events and services to lament, listen and learn from the survivors of abuse, and reflect on failures of the Church of England to keep everyone safe.
These will include: Safeguarding Sunday (16 November), with Rev’d Ravi Holy as preacher; time for discussion over coffee; 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; publication of our Victim’s and Survivor’s Charter; 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
† Live streamed on our YouTube Channel.
Ongoing prayer for safeguarding
Sunday 16 – Sunday 23 November
The Holy Innocents Chapel will be a dedicated place of prayer for Victims and Survivors; where lay and ordained Chaplains will be available to listen from 10 am to 4 pm.
If you would like to make a specific time to talk with someone then please contact [email protected] or turn up on the day and ask at the gate to see a Chaplain.
LOUDfence Installation
Sunday 16 – Sunday 23 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 Eucharist †
Sunday 16 November, 11:00 in the Quire
A service dedicated to safeguarding with Rev’d Ravi Holy as preacher; followed by time for discussion over coffee.
WATCH LIVE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Children’s Church at 10:30 will also have a safeguarding focus. Find out more about Children's Church.
Online Webinar
‘What matters to victims and survivors and their relationship with the Church; A personal account and reflection’
Tuesday 18 November, 19:00-20:00 (online)
An online session led by Ioannis (Yannis) Athanasiou, the National Safeguarding Team's Survivor Engagement Lead, exploring survivors' perspectives and how the Church should respond.
Holy Communion for Peace & Justice
Wednesday 19 November in our Lady Undercroft Chapel, Crypt
The regular Wednesday Eucharist will have a special focus on peace and justice during this week.
In the prayers and readings we will be reminded of how we can all play our part to build God’s kingdom based on justice, peace and the well-being of all.
A Service of Lament †
Sunday 23 November, 17:30 in the Quire
A service of lament and hope which provides us all with a space to acknowledge and hold before God in prayer, music and worship our sadness and grief at the harm caused by failures in safeguarding by the Church of England.
Members of the clergy and lay chaplains will be available for you after the service if you would like to speak to someone about your experiences.
There will also be a Said Evening Prayer service at 16:00 in the Crypt.
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.
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