Safe Spaces Statement
Safe Spaces Statement
We are aware of the recent comments made by Justin Welby in his BBC interview. Safe Spaces is here to support victims and survivors of abuse linked to the Church, and our focus remains on advocating for them.
If anyone has been affected by these remarks or any other comments made by the Church or its representatives, we encourage them to reach out to us. We are here to provide confidential, independent, and compassionate support.
Safe Spaces is a free and independent service offering a safe, personal, and confidential space for anyone who has experienced abuse within, or as a result of their relationship with, the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales, or the Church in Wales.
You can contact our helpline on 0300 303 1056
We are here for you, and you will be heard, believed, and supported.
- Published in News and Impact
Safe Spaces Update – Chair to Step Down
Safe Spaces Update
Governance Update for the Independent Service Supporting Survivors of Church-Related Abuse
Safe Spaces England and Wales (SSEW) today announced that Paul Langham, Independent Chair, has decided to step down after a year of service in the role. This will not affect the running of the service.
Craig Russo BEM, Independent Director, commented on behalf of the SSEW Directors: “We wish Paul all the best as he steps down from his role.”
“We are confident that the service will continue to positively impact the lives of victims and survivors as it develops. This is in no small part due to the representation and participation of survivors on our Advisory Committee and the valuable professional experience they bring to the table.”
“Safe Spaces remains steadfast in its mission to provide a safe and supportive environment for those affected by church-related abuse. The SSEW Directors and the Advisory Committee are committed to ensuring the service’s continued success and positive impact on survivors’ lives.”
Paul Langham will step down in April, following his final meeting as Chair of the Board.
Interim Chair arrangements to ensure a smooth transition will be announced in due course.
The Directors and the Safe Spaces Advisory Committee will continue to work closely together to maintain the high standards of care and support that have been established.
- Published in News and Impact
Safe Spaces Update
Safe Spaces Update
We wanted to provide an update regarding the Safe Spaces service.
Martin Christmas Nelson, Safe Spaces Manager, will be leaving Safe Spaces to take up a new role. We want to thank Martin for helping establish what Safe Spaces is today, shaping the service, and ensuring that the values of First Light echo through to the Safe Spaces Service, ensuring everyone is heard, believed, and supported.
We would like to introduce Clair Street as the new Safe Spaces Manager.
Clair joined First Light in April 2024 as the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Support Manager, running the Independent Sexual Violence Advisory service for Devon and Cornwall. She then managed various teams within the integrated Safer Futures Domestic Abuse service in Cornwall. Clair is an experienced manager who has worked in health and social care since 2000 in a range of services and settings, including Drug and Alcohol, Prison Outreach, Homelessness, Community Outreach, and Mental Health.
Again, we want to thank Martin for all his hard work in setting up Safe Spaces and wish him all the best in his new role. We also extend a huge welcome to Clair to the Safe Spaces Team, who will continue the vital work and support we provide.
- Published in News and Impact