A support service for survivors of church-related abuse has published its 2025 evaluation report.
2025 evaluation of service
Safe Spaces, which launched in September 2020, is an advocacy and emotional support service for victims and survivors of church-related abuse in the Catholic Church of England and Wales, the Church of England, and the Church in Wales.
The evaluation report provides a comprehensive assessment of service delivery, performance and impact between January and December 2025. It forms the third year of a four-year process and impact evaluation by Rocket Science, building on findings from the Year 1 (2023) and Year 2 (2024) reports. It assesses how the service is operating, the difference it is making in people’s lives, and where further improvements can be made.
The evaluation draws on a wide range of evidence, reflecting the views and experiences of those who use and deliver the service. This includes:
- 20 in-depth interviews with victims and survivors
- 27 survey responses from victims and survivors
- Engagement with Safe Spaces staff
- Input from Board members and Non-Executive Directors
- Feedback from external stakeholders, including safeguarding professionals in diocese and partner organisations
Together, these insights are supported by detailed analysis of service performance and operational data.
The report finds that Safe Spaces continues to deliver a high-impact and valued service, with survivors reporting improvements in wellbeing, confidence and feeling heard. It also highlights important areas for development, including strengthening data systems, clarifying the service remit, and increasing awareness and promotion.
Safe Spaces is operated by the charity First Light, with a dedicated team of highly trained professionals in place supported by robust systems and processes to manage risks. The service is available to adults aged 18 or over who have experienced any kind of Church related abuse, including, but not limited to sexual violence, inappropriate sexual behaviour, physical abuse, financial abuse or exploitation, psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour and conversion therapy.
The service can be accessed online at https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/ or by calling 0300 303 1056.
Clair Street, Safe Spaces Manager said:
“This evaluation is an important opportunity to reflect on the progress Safe Spaces has made and, most importantly, to listen to the voices of victims and survivors. The findings show the value of independent, trauma-informed support in helping people feel heard, understood and able to take the next steps that are right for them. We are proud of the impact the service has had, while recognising that there is always more to learn and improve. We will use the recommendations from this report to strengthen the service further and ensure Safe Spaces continues to provide compassionate, practical and survivor-centred support.”
An independent lived experience Trustee on the SSEW Board commented on the report:
“This Third Evaluation Report clearly shows that Safe Spaces continues to be a welcome and valued service for the many service users. We accept all the recommendations, and where areas for improvement have been identified, we are already addressing these as part of our work to continually improve Safe Spaces and the service it provides to victims and survivors.
Crucially, the evaluation captures a significant shift for service users themselves. The finding that 100% of victims and survivors now feel the duration of their support is exactly right – up from 73% last year – points to a deeper change. It reflects a service that gives people the breathing space to be genuinely heard, helping them find the stability and strength needed to navigate church processes and rebuild their lives.
We remain committed to building on this progress, ensuring that every survivor who reaches out feels believed, supported, and never alone.”
Previous reports
You can also view the previous Safe Spaces evaluation reports below:
