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 

Request a Call
Make a Referral

Category: News and Impact

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.

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.

Safe Spaces Update

Posted on by Mark Lucking
We appreciate that for many who have experienced Church related abuse, today’s news of the death of Pope Francis may present a range of difficult emotions.
 
Our phone line reopens on Tuesday 22nd April at 9.00am but survivors are welcome to leave a voicemail today requesting a call back which we will prioritise.
 
Helpline: 0300 303 1056
(Reopens Tues 22nd April at 09.00am)
Email: safespaces@firstlight.org.uk

Safe Spaces Statement

Posted on by Mark Lucking

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.

Safe Spaces Update – Chair to Step Down

Posted on by Mark Lucking

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.

Safe Spaces Update

Posted on by Mark Lucking

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.