18th November 2025

New Diocesan video highlights the importance of safeguarding

A NEW information video posted to the social media channels of The Church of England in Lancashire supports the ongoing commitment of the Diocese to safeguarding.

It features Claudia Aspey, Safeguarding Administrator, talking about how the Safeguarding Team, based at the Diocesan Offices on the edge of Blackburn, support parishes across the County.

In the video, available on Facebook here and other Diocesan social channels, Claudia says: “At the heart of our mission is a commitment to creating safe spaces for everyone. That’s where the Diocesan Safeguarding Team comes in.

“We’re a dedicated group of professionals working to prevent abuse, support survivors, and equip churches to be safe, welcoming communities.

“From training clergy and volunteers to responding to concerns and offering expert advice - we’re here to ensure safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

“Whether you're a church leader, a parishioner, or someone seeking support, we’re here to listen, guide, and act. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”

The social media post then points people to the Diocesan website for more information and contact details.

The video was produced in conjunction with the Diocesan Communications Team and was launched at the weekend, on Safeguarding Sunday.

It comes on the back of other recent communications across all Diocesan channels including the website www.blackburn.anglican.org and ebulletins sent to parishes; all emphasising the importance of Safeguarding Sunday and marking the beginning of a period in the local church calendar when parishes are actively encouraged to promote the importance of safeguarding at services and other events.

Safeguarding Sunday is an initiative from 31:8, an independent Christian charity that equips churches and faith-based organisations to create safer environments by providing safeguarding training, advice, and resources. The charity gave the new video it’s stamp of approval after it went live on Sunday by posting underneath that it was a ‘great explanation’ of the work of the safeguarding team in our diocese.

The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Philip North, commented: “The Diocese of Blackburn strives to be a place that is safe for all, especially for children and vulnerable adults, and this time of year is a great chance to remind people how building safe Christian communities is one of the ways our churches anticipate the life of heaven.

"It is also a good opportunity to thank our Parish Safeguarding Officers for the work they do and to raise their profile in the parishes where they serve in this important role.

“Safeguarding is not just about creating policies, important though that aspect of the work is. It’s also about creating spaces where every person, especially the most vulnerable, feels safe, valued and loved. So I’m pleased we are continuing to mark Safeguarding Sunday in this way.”

Captions for the above pictures, top to bottom:

• A screengrab of the new Safeguarding Sunday video produced by the Diocese of Blackburn, featuring Safeguarding Administrator, Claudia Aspey
• Bishop Philip North