SAFEGUARDING SEASON
A time of prayer, reflection & worship with those affected by abuse. Our next Safeguarding Season will take place from Sunday 15 October - Friday 3 November 2023. Information and News about Safeguarding Season will be updated regularly.
If you, or someone you know, has been affected by the themes explored in this Safeguarding Season please
contact:
The Rev’d Canon Dr Benjamin Carter, Chapter Safeguarding Lead: 01228 521857
Jo van Lachterop, Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor: 07458 016884
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
Safe Spaces: 0300 303 1056
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
Although the churches have funded the service, it is run independently by the charity Victim Support, who are one of the leading charities providing specialist support to survivors of abuse in England and Wales.
More information can be found at:
Victim Support: 0300 303 0157
Turning the Spotlight on Family Support
This programme provides extensive support to families or individuals having difficulties in their relationships, experiencing or causing harm and/or abuse. It is run by Victim Support and is open to couples with or without children. If you live in Cumbria, need help and new ways to manage your behaviour, you can access this service.
Women’s Aid 24 hour helpline: 0808 2000 247
The Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
Childline: 0800 11 11
Special services
On Sunday 15 October 2023, at our 10.30am Cathedral Eucharist, we will recommit to the Safeguarding Pledge through readings, prayers, preaching and music.
Through our Safeguarding Season, we will pray for those affected by abuse at our weekly Peace and Justice Eucharist on 18 and 25 October and 3 November 2023. Pastoral support will be available.
Following the 12.30pm services, we plan to have a space for conversation in the Undercroft with an advocate or victim-survivor of abuse.
On 18 October we will be welcoming Antonia Sobocki, Director for LOUDfence UK. Further speakers will be announced in due course.
Through the Safeguarding Season the Chapel of St Mary and St Catherine was set aside as a place of prayer, reflection and response.
At any time, you are very welcome to use the resources there, or simply sit in silence with God.
From 1 – 3 November 2023, the LOUDfence installation will be a visible display of support and solidarity with those affected by abuse. This will be situated outside the Cathedral.
Ribbons will be tied to the LOUDfence to represent the voices of those who wish to speak out in support and defence of those affected by abuse.
We want all survivors and victims of abuse to know that:
- we believe you
- we will hear and support you
- we will do all we can to prevent this happening again.
Ribbons will be available in the Gift Shop or the Cathedral Café.
The Safeguarding Pledge (adopted by Carlisle Cathedral Chapter)
We commit to each share responsibility for creating an environment that is safe for all
We commit to pray for our safeguarding leads and those working with children and adults
We commit to respect the boundaries that are in place to protect others
We commit to support those in our church who have been hurt or abused
We commit to provide on-going safeguarding training for all our workers
We commit to allow sufficient time and resources to make our recruitment of workers safer
We commit to maintaining an open culture where people are encouraged to share concerns
We commit to not take offence when challenged about our presence or behaviour
