Photo: Roaary the thirtyone:eight safeguarding lion at Rochester Cathedral
Safeguarding Sunday takes place on Sunday 16 November. To mark the occasion, the Diocese of Rochester is sharing two films to highlight the culture change underway around safeguarding.
Organised by the safeguarding charity, thirtyone:eight, Safeguarding Sunday offers an annual opportunity for churches to raise awareness of the work that takes place, day in day out in their settings to keep people safe.
It is also an opportunity to thank and celebrate all those who take on roles with particular responsibility for safeguarding within parishes, such as Parish Safeguarding Offers.
Giving thanks for attention to safeguarding
Greg Barry, Head of Safeguarding for the Diocese of Rochester and Diocesan Safeguarding Officer says:
"As we approach Safeguarding Sunday, I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone in our churches and across the Diocese for their support and commitment to safeguarding within their setting.
"Whether you are a member of clergy, lay minister, a churchwarden, a PSO, or anyone who holds a role of responsibility within this Diocese, your care and attention to keeping people safe, and to encouraging others to do the same, is so vital and is making a huge difference."
Watch:The Safeguarding Team is working alongside parishes to offer support, guidance, and encouragement.
Films show culture change is happening
To mark Safeguarding Sunday, and to give thanks for the culture change that is starting to take place across the Diocese around safeguarding, two films have been produced:
- The impact of safeguarding training
A significant culture shift is taking place within the Diocese of Rochester. Safeguarding is increasingly no longer an afterthought, rather it is something that clergy, volunteers, and employees actively apply in their daily ministry. Training is playing a big part in this. View film
- The impact of the support of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and parishes working together
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. But no one is expected to carry it alone. That’s where the Diocesan Safeguarding Team comes in, working alongside parishes to offer support, guidance, and encouragement. View film
While the Diocese of Rochester is still on a journey, Greg says the films are being offered as an encouragement, and to show the ongoing commitment needed by everyone to creating spaces where all can flourish:
"Safeguarding is a journey. We have to keep learning, we have to keep listening, we have to keep working together, so thank you to everyone across the Diocese for continuing to partner with us as we seek to grow safer and heathier cultures."
Watch: Training is playing a big part in ensuring safeguarding is something that clergy, volunteers, and employees are actively apply in their daily ministry.
Need help?
If you have been affected by abuse related to the church, however long ago. If you are concerned that someone else is experiencing or has experienced abuse. Or if you have any safeguarding concerns about someone in church, the Diocesan Safeguarding Team is here to help.
For their contact details, please visit: www.rochester.anglican.org/safeguarding
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999