Safeguarding Sunday: What is it all about?

Safeguarding Sunday is a safeguarding awareness raising campaign for churches run by the Christian safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight.

Each November, thousands of churches from diverse backgrounds and traditions across the UK come together to reflect on their own safeguarding journey and to highlight and celebrate all the good work that is being done by so many behind the scenes to protect vulnerable people.

Parishes across our Diocese are strongly encouraged to do the same. 

The registration page for Safeguarding Sunday is now live where you can register your church to take part. You will receive a FREE digital resource pack that will give everything needed to plan and run a service. 

• Registration is here (click link): Safeguarding Sunday | Thirtyone:eight (thirtyoneeight.org)

According to Thirtyone:eight, last year’s services resulted in:

• GREATER positive awareness and understanding of safeguarding among church members.
• INCREASES in the number of people feeling able to talk about their abuse for the first time.
• MORE VOLUNTEERS coming forward for safeguarding roles and to help with children’s/youth work.
• INCREASING numbers of people completing safeguarding training and criminal record checks.
• REASSURANCE amongst Safeguarding Leads feeling more supported in their role

If November 19 is not suitable for your church, because of other events already booked for example, it can be marked on another day.

Whenever you hold the event, the more time you dedicate to focusing on safeguarding in a service, the greater the impact for the church. 

Contact deborah.toni@churchofengland.org for further information.

Ronnie Semley, August 2023