Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 9am-9pm | Saturday: 9am-1pm | Sunday: 1pm-5pm 

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Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 9am-9pm | Saturday: 9am-1pm | Sunday: 1pm-5pm 

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Make a Referral

Author: Mark Lucking

First Light launches Safe Spaces Experts Panel with Lived Experience

Posted on by Mark Lucking

First Light is inviting people who have used the Safe Spaces service to take part in a new Experts with Lived Experience Panel, helping to shape and strengthen the future of the service.

This voluntary opportunity puts lived experience at the heart of service development, ensuring Safe Spaces continues to be responsive, supportive, and centred on the needs of those it serves.

 

Helping to shape the future of Safe Spaces

The panel will bring together individuals who have used the Safe Spaces service to share feedback, review updates, and contribute insight based on their experiences.

Panel members will meet online approximately four times a year and will be invited to:

  • Share feedback on how the service is working
  • Help identify areas for improvement
  • Contribute ideas to strengthen support
  • Offer insight to help shape future developments

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, helping ensure the service continues to meet the needs of survivors.

 

A safe and supportive way to get involved

We recognise that everyone’s experience is unique. Participation in the panel is designed to be safe, flexible, and supportive at every stage.

  • Participation is entirely voluntary
  • You can step back at any time
  • You will not be asked to share personal or detailed experiences
  • You can contribute in a way that feels comfortable for you

Support will be available throughout, and clear boundaries will be maintained to ensure a respectful and safe environment for all participants.

 

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from people who:

  • Have used the Safe Spaces service
  • Would like to share feedback and help shape the service
  • Feel ready to contribute in a way that works for them

No formal experience is needed, just a willingness to share your perspective.

 

Why this matters

The Safe Spaces service is built on listening, learning, and continuous improvement. By bringing lived experience into the heart of decision-making, First Light can better understand what is working well and where changes are needed.

This panel is an important step in ensuring that Safe Spaces continues to deliver support that is safe, responsive, and centred on survivors’ needs.

 

Find out more and apply

If you have used the Safe Spaces service and would like to get involved, you can find more information and apply here: https://www.firstlight.org.uk/go/safe-spaces-panel

Free Survivor Support & Information Event

Posted on by Mark Lucking

Hosted by the South West Ecumenical Safeguarding Forum in partnership with First Light

First Light is a specialist UK charity supporting people affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, and church-related abuse. Their work is trauma-informed and centred on safety, choice, and long-term recovery.

The South West Ecumenical Safeguarding Forum (SWESF) brings together organisations across the South West of England to strengthen safeguarding within Christian churches and faith settings.

If you have been affected by abuse, you are warmly invited to attend this supportive and informative event. You are welcome exactly as you are.

This event is designed as a safe and welcoming space where you can learn about support options at your own pace, hear from experienced practitioners, and ask questions if and when it feels right for you. There is no expectation to share personal experiences—you’re free to simply listen or step away at any time.

 

 

What to expect

12:30pm – Arrival

Tea, coffee, and cake will be available. You can arrive at your own pace, take time to settle in, and choose a space that feels comfortable.

1:00pm – Welcome

A short introduction to the event and the support available, including how to access help on the day if needed.

1:05pm – Talk from First Light

Information about services supporting survivors, including:

  • Safe Spaces – confidential support for those affected by church-related abuse
  • Support for survivors of sexual violence
  • The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Swindon
  • Support for survivors of domestic abuse

The focus will be on helping you understand what support is available and how to access it, if and when you choose to.

2:45pm – Closing and optional questions

A gentle close, with the opportunity to ask questions or speak with practitioners if you feel comfortable.

 

 

Additional information

  • You are welcome to bring a friend or support person (please book them a ticket)
  • You can take a break or leave at any time—please do what feels right for you
  • A calm, respectful, and supportive environment will be maintained throughout
  • You are in control of how much you engage; there is no obligation to participate or speak

 

This event is about offering reassurance, information, and choice—supporting you to explore options in your own time, in a way that feels safe for you.

 

Book your ticket: https://SouthWestEcumenicalSafeguardingForum.eventbrite.co.uk

Bank Holiday Operating Hours (Monday 4th May 2026)

Posted on by Mark Lucking

Our church-related abuse service, Safe Spaces, will be operating at reduced hours over the bank holiday period.

Opening times:

  • Saturday 2 May: 9am – 1pm
  • Sunday 3 May: 1pm – 5pm

Please note that our Safe Spaces helpline will be closed on Monday 4 May and will reopen on Tuesday 5 May.

If you need support outside of these hours, please visit our website for information on other sources of help.

 

If you need urgent support, the following numbers are available 24/7 to help you.

National Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

 

If you are in danger, please dial 999 immediately, or 101 for non-emergency.

Eligibility for Support

Posted on by Mark Lucking

Safe Spaces is here to support people who have experienced church‑related abuse within the Church of England, Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

This page explains who is eligible, how we assess referrals, and what to expect.

 

Who We Support

You may be eligible for Safe Spaces if:

✔ You have experienced harm

This includes physical, mental, emotional harm, or financial loss directly caused by behaviour that may be a criminal offence.
(As defined by the Victims’ Code.)

✔ The harm happened in connection with:

  • The Church of England
  • The Church in Wales
  • The Catholic Church in England and Wales

✔ You are over 18

Safe Spaces supports adults aged 18+. Eligibility is based on your age today, not the age you were when the abuse occurred. We are here for adults who experienced abuse as children or as adults

 

Eligibility Assessment

Every referral is reviewed individually.

If someone does not meet the criteria, Safe Spaces will always try to signpost them to other suitable services.

Our framework ensures the service focuses on people affected by church‑related abuse by church employee’s or church volunteers, including cases where the person who caused harm is now deceased. All questions about eligibility are considered case by case in line with our policy.

 

Victims’ Code Definition of a Victim

“A person who has suffered harm, including physical, mental or emotional harm or economic loss which was directly caused by a criminal offence.”

 

Who Is Not Eligible

To maintain the specialist purpose of Safe Spaces, we cannot support:

✖ Church staff or volunteers

If the issue relates only to:

  • Employment matters
  • Internal conduct concerns that do not reach a criminal threshold
  • Grievances
  • Workplace bullying or harassment unrelated to criminal abuse
  • Other HR‑related issues

✖ Internal church disputes

Complaints handled through:

  • HR processes
  • Whistleblowing
  • Disciplinary procedures
    that do not involve allegations of abuse within the scope of Safe Spaces.

These situations should be addressed through the Church’s HR or employment dispute channels.

✔ What is still eligible

If abuse happened within a church employment or voluntary role and involves criminal conduct (e.g., sexual assault, coercion, violence), the person may still be eligible.
Such cases are reviewed individually.

 

Support for Vulnerable Victims

Some people may need extra support.
A person may be considered vulnerable under the Victims’ Code if they:

  • Are under 18
    (note: Safe Spaces supports adults 18+ only)
  • Have a mental health condition or learning disability
  • Have a physical disability or illness that affects their ability to access support
  • Feel significant fear or distress because of the abuse
  • Have communication difficulties or other barriers to accessing help

Safe Spaces will make reasonable adjustments to ensure support is accessible, safe, and trauma‑informed.

 

Safety and Conduct

Safe Spaces has a duty to protect everyone using the service, as well as staff.
We may restrict or remove access if someone:

  • Does not meet eligibility criteria
  • Acts abusively or harasses staff
  • Displays inappropriate or harmful behaviour

Our priority is to maintain a supportive and safe environment for all service users.

 

Safe Spaces Survivor Advocates

Posted on by Mark Lucking

Independent support for survivors of church-related abuse

The Safe Spaces Survivor Advocates provide confidential, trauma-informed support to adults who have experienced abuse within the Church of England, Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church. This specialist role offers emotional support, practical guidance, and advocacy to help survivors navigate complex systems and find a path toward justice and healing.

What to Expect

Survivors accessing this service can expect:

  • A compassionate, independent advocate who understands the unique challenges of church-related abuse
  • A safe, confidential space to talk about their experiences
  • Support via phone, email, video call, or text, tailored to individual preferences
  • Help navigating church safeguarding procedures, complaints processes, and justice pathways
  • Advocacy with church officials, safeguarding teams, and external agencies
  • Access to peer support and out-of-hours helpline services

Advocates work flexibly and sensitively, recognising the emotional impact of abuse and the importance of survivor-led support.

Why People Access This Service

Individuals may seek support from a Safe Spaces Survivor Advocate if:

  • They have experienced abuse in a church setting and want to be heard and believed
  • They are unsure how to report or navigate church safeguarding systems
  • They need emotional support, advocacy, or help accessing therapeutic services
  • They feel overwhelmed, isolated, or retraumatised by previous attempts to seek justice

Advocates provide clear, honest answers and empower survivors to make informed decisions.

How This Helps

Support from a Safe Spaces Survivor Advocate can help survivors:

  • Feel validated, heard, and supported
  • Navigate complex systems with confidence
  • Access justice, whether through church processes or external routes
  • Rebuild trust and regain a sense of control
  • Connect with others through peer support

The service is designed to meet survivors where they are, emotionally, spiritually, and practically, and walk alongside them at their own pace.

Safe Spaces Advisors

Posted on by Mark Lucking

Independent, trauma-informed support for survivors of church-related abuse

Safe Spaces Advisors provide confidential, compassionate support to adults who have experienced abuse within the Church of England, Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church. Whether the harm occurred recently or many years ago, advisors offer a safe space to talk, explore options, and receive practical and emotional support tailored to each individual’s needs.

What to Expect

Survivors accessing the Safe Spaces service can expect:

  • A non-judgemental, independent advisor who understands the complexities of church-related abuse
  • Support via phone, email, video call, or text, based on personal preference
  • Help navigating church safeguarding procedures, complaints processes, and justice pathways
  • Advocacy with church officials, safeguarding teams, and external agencies
  • Access to peer support and an out-of-hours helpline
  • Regular reviews of support plans to ensure needs are being met

Advisors work flexibly and sensitively, recognising the emotional impact of abuse and the importance of survivor-led support.

Why People Access This Service

Individuals may seek support from a Safe Spaces Advisor if:

  • They have experienced abuse in a church setting and want to be heard and believed
  • They are unsure how to report or navigate church safeguarding systems
  • They need emotional support, advocacy, or help accessing therapeutic services
  • They feel overwhelmed, isolated, or retraumatised by previous attempts to seek justice

Safe Spaces Advisors provide clear, honest answers and empower survivors to make informed decisions.

How This Helps

Support from a Safe Spaces Advisor can help survivors:

  • Feel validated, heard, and supported
  • Navigate complex systems with confidence
  • Access justice, whether through church processes or external routes
  • Rebuild trust and regain a sense of control
  • Connect with others through peer support

The service is designed to meet survivors where they are, emotionally, spiritually, and practically, and walk alongside them at their own pace.

 

About Safe Spaces England and Wales

Posted on by Mark Lucking

Safe Spaces England and Wales (SSEW) is a charitable company responsible for the governance and oversight of the Safe Spaces service.

SSEW has contracted First Light to deliver the Safe Spaces service under a three-year contract running from January 2023 to January 2026. This has now been extended for an additional year until 2027.

Why SSEW was established

SSEW was formed by the Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England and the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

It was established as a separate registered charity and company to ensure complete independence from the Church, creating an independent service for victims and survivors.

The Board of Safe Spaces England and Wales

SSEW is governed by an independent Board.

The Board is led by the Chair and includes five additional Directors.

The role of Chair or Deputy Chair is always offered to the independent lived‑experience trustees to ensure greater independence.

The Directors:

  • provide strategic direction and oversight

  • are legally responsible for the activities of SSEW

  • hold decision-making responsibility for the charitable company

The Board does not deliver the Safe Spaces service or have contact with individual clients.

The Safe Spaces Advisory Committee (SSAC)

The SSEW Directors are supported by the Safe Spaces Advisory Committee (SSAC).

The SSAC brings together key stakeholders to provide operational advice relating to the day-to-day activities of SSEW.
Directors may take this advice into account when making decisions.

The SSAC includes:

  • Non-Executive Directors / Experts by Experience (Professionals from sectors such as Education, Adult Social Care, Local Government, Church of England Ministry, and the NHS, who also bring valuable lived experience.)

  • Safeguarding professionals

  • Legal advisers

  • Financial advisers

  • Communications advisers

SSEW Directors

The current Directors of Safe Spaces England and Wales are:

  • Dr Jamie Harrison
    Member of the Archbishops’ Council and 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

Funding

The Safe Spaces service is funded by:

  • The Archbishops’ Council (Church of England)

  • The Catholic Church in England and Wales

SSEW also receives additional funding from the Archbishops’ Council and the Catholic Church in England and Wales to cover the core running costs of the charitable company.

Oversight and evaluation of the Safe Spaces service

Representatives from:

  • The Church of England Archbishops Council

  • The Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service (CSAS)

sit on the Safe Spaces Advisory Committee.

These representatives meet regularly with First Light, on behalf of the SSEW Directors, as part of the contract monitoring process.

The SSEW Directors meet regularly with the SSAC to review service data and reports relating to the Safe Spaces service.

SSEW has appointed Rocket Science as the independent evaluator of the Safe Spaces service. Rocket Science provides regular updates to the Board, and evaluation findings will be published.

Kennedy’s have issued guidance for those

Posted on by Mark Lucking

Kennedy’s have issued guidance for those affected by the data breach

 

Kennedy’s have issued some guidance for those affected by the data breach. 

This link takes you through the process of how to stop all the emails/notifications.  

https://kennedyslaw.com/en/notices/deleting-ongoing-email-communications/

Redress Scheme data breach by Kennedy’s Law LLP

Posted on by Mark Lucking

Redress Scheme data breach by Kennedy’s Law LLP

 

The Church of England has issued a statement following the Redress Scheme data breach by Kennedy’s Law LLP

You can read the full statement here: https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/safeguarding-news-releases/redress-scheme-data-breach-kennedys-law-llp

If you have been affected by this, or need someone to talk to, Safe Spaces is here to support you.

Safe Spaces is a free, independent support service offering a confidential and compassionate environment for anyone who has experienced abuse by someone in the Church, or as a result of their relationship with:

  • The Church of England
  • The Catholic Church in England and Wales
  • The Church in Wales

The service is available to anyone aged 18 or over living in England and Wales. 

You are not alone. You will be believed, heard, and supported.

Statements from the Church of England Following the Trial of Chris Brain

Posted on by Mark Lucking

Statements from the Church of England Following the Trial of Chris Brain

The Church of England has issued a statement following the trial of Chris Brain, founder of the Nine O’Clock Service in Sheffield.
You can read the full statement here: https://www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases/statements-following-trial-chris-brain-founder-nine-oclock-service-sheffield

If you have been affected by this, or need someone to talk to, Safe Spaces is here to support you.

Safe Spaces is a free, independent support service offering a confidential and compassionate environment for anyone who has experienced abuse by someone in the Church, or as a result of their relationship with:

  • The Church of England
  • The Catholic Church in England and Wales
  • The Church in Wales

The service is available to anyone aged 18 or over living in England and Wales. 

You are not alone. You will be believed, heard, and supported.