About Safe Spaces
Our Services are for people aged 18 or over, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the perpetrator is living or deceased.
Safe Spaces comprises a team of trained support advocates who have also undergone specialist training in supporting survivors of sexual violence, domestic abuse, and church related abuse. The team 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 conduct abuse, and the challenges affecting people who have had or still have, a relationship with the church.
Safe Spaces has been operated by First Light since January 2023
“Thanks to the support of Safe Spaces, I feel lifted, my energy is coming back and I’m finding my voice again.”
Meet the team
Manager – Martin Christmas-Nelson
Martin began his career working as classroom support for children aged 4-11 with complex needs. He completed his degree in Education and Philosophy in 2016, before focusing on outdoor education and experiences, and moving to New Zealand.
Upon his return from New Zealand, he relocated to Cornwall, and joined First Light as a Complex needs Independent Sexual Violence Advisor, before helping develop the Male Specific Independent Sexual Violence Advisor role and gaining national accreditation for this service.
He joined the Safe Spaces Team to procure and launch the service with First Light, before taking the manager’s role on a full-time basis.
In his spare time, he likes to take in the outdoors by sea swimming, walking his dog on Dartmoor, kayaking and spending time with family.
Survivor Advocate – Harpreet
Harpreet began working in the charity sector within homelessness , supporting adults to gain their own accommodation to finally have their own set of keys to a warm place they could call home. From there, she moved into domestic Abuse Support to support both male and female survivors into safer accommodation.
She joined Safe Spaces in October 2024 to broaden her knowledge and focus on a new specialism, supporting those affected by church-related abuse.
In her spare time, she likes to attend visit family, volunteer for the local temples and live a happy and positive life
Survivor Advocate – Alice
Alice began her career in wellbeing as a support worker in assisted living, working with adults with complex mental health and learning needs. From this, she realised that her passion lay in helping those around her.
She completed a degree in Psychology to further her understanding of mental health and psychological development.
After graduation, she joined First Light as an adult Independent Sexual Violence Advisor; Alice loved being in a role which allowed her to support people through their criminal justice journeys, celebrating their victories and providing emotional and practical support throughout.
When the opportunity to join Safe Spaces arose, she was drawn to the opportunity for further specialism, hoping further expand her knowledge and use her skillset to support people who have experienced abuse in church settings.
In her spare time, Alice loves to bake, and spend time with her husband, two children, and ginger cat.
Support Advisors – Gemma
Gemma began working in the charity sector as a Youth Support Worker, helping young adults develop the skills to live independent lives. From there, she moved into Substance Abuse Support and then supporting the homeless to access services including mental health support, drug and alcohol services and access to GPs and nurses.
She joined Safe Spaces in March 2023 to broaden her knowledge and focus on a new specialism, supporting those affected by church-related abuse.
In her spare time, she likes to attend live music events and go camping with her family.
Survivor Advocate – Gemma
BA in Criminology and MSc in Criminal Psychology
Started my career over 10 years ago with Rape Crisis
Previous work experience has included working within probation supporting those with convictions reintegrate back into society from custody to community, working with the Home Office to set up Europe’s largest safe house for victims of trafficking and managing the early intervention team in a local charity supporting those affected by sexual violence and domestic abuse
I also have experience in teaching and lectured at Bath college in Criminology
I came to safe spaces after being part of the interim contract and found myself drawn back to this particularly nuanced service that is so desperately needed
In my spare time I like to go to gigs, visit museums, and a good book with a glass of red.
Support Advisors – Faye
Faye is currently completing her MSc in Psychology after making a significant decision to change her career to focus on mental health and wellbeing. She previously worked in the charity sector, supporting adults and children with complex learning difficulties and behavioural challenges. Her passion for helping others was rekindled by joining the Safe Spaces team, where she hopes to gain valuable experience for her future career as a psychologist.
Faye’s first love, and first degree, was in music. She learnt to play guitar and sing from a young age and even won a competition to perform at Earls Court in London. A few years ago, she bravely joined the world of Irish dance at the age of 31. She is now a British Ceili Champion and competes regularly with her dance school. She also loves gaming, attending festivals, and has a soft spot for cats!
About Safe Spaces England and Wales
The charitable company ‘Safe Spaces England and Wales’ (SSEW) has contracted First Light to deliver the Safe Spaces service under a three-year contract from Jan 2023 – Jan 2026.
SSEW was formed by the Archbishops’ Council (Church of England) and the Catholic Church in England and Wales to ensure arms-length oversight and decision-making in connection with the project.
SSEW is chaired by an Independent Chair with 5 other directors.
SSEW Directors provide strategic direction and oversight. They are legally responsible for the activities of SSEW, and hold decision making responsibility for the company.
The SSEW Directors are supported by the Safe Spaces Advisory Committee (SSAC). The SSAC is a group that brings together key stakeholder representatives from the Church of England and the Catholic Church in England and Wales to provide operational advice in connection with the day to day activities of SSEW, which the directors may factor into their decision making. The SSAC consists of:
- Survivor representatives from each of the churches
- Safeguarding professionals
- Legal advisors
- Financial advisors
- Communications advisors
Who are the SSEW Directors?
- Paul Langham, Independent Chair of SSEW
- Dr Jamie Harrison, member of the Archbishops’ Council, Chair of the House of Laity (Church of England)
- Rt Rev Paul Mason, Bishop of the Forces (Catholic Church in England and Wales)
- Paul McCallum, Chief Operating Officer, Archdiocese of Southwark (Catholic Church in England and Wales)
- Rt Rev Julie Conalty, Bishop of Birkenhead (Church of England)
- Craig Russo, Independent Mental Health and Wellbeing Expert
How is the Safe Spaces service, and the charitable company SSEW funded?
The funding for the Safe Spaces service comes from the Archbishops’ Council (Church of England) the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and the Allchurches Trust. SSEW receives additional funding from the Archbishops’ Council and the Catholic Church in England and Wales to cover the basic running costs of the charitable company.
How is the Safe Spaces service overseen by SSEW, and how is the service evaluated?
Representatives from the Church of England National Safeguarding Team (NST) and the Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service (CSAS) are part of the Safe Spaces Advisory Committee. These representatives meet regularly with First Light on behalf of SSEW directors as part of the contact monitoring process.
SSEW Directors meet with the Safe Spaces Advisory Committee regularly to review data and reports regarding the Safe Spaces service.
SSEW has appointed Rocket Science as independent evaluators for the Safe Spaces service who will provide regular updates to the board. The results of the evaluation will be published.
About First Light
Our Vision:
A society where we live in safety free from sexual violence and domestic abuse.
Our values:
– Trust
– Integrity
– Respect
– Progression
– Collaboration
As part of First Light’s efforts to improve the response to victims of church related abuse, we sit on a number of Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panels and Safeguarding Subgroups across the Southwest
If you would like to know more about the work First Light does, please visit: First Light