As part of Safeguarding Sunday 2024, we have produced a spoken word film called ‘SAFE’. The short film contains a powerful invitation to the church – to stand with those who have been hurt, and to see safeguarding as a core part of our mission as Christians.
We went behind the scenes of the film to speak to Corrine Thorne who co-wrote and performed in the film. Corrine works for Thirtyone:eight as a Safeguarding Advisor. She spoke to us about why this film is so important to her and for the church.
“Safeguarding has always been close to my heart, and I think that comes from the variety of roles I’ve taken on throughout my life. I’ve worked in retail, as an actor, in education, and as a social worker. But no matter the job, there’s always been one constant—my care for people. I’ve always wanted to make sure others feel safe, valued, and treated with dignity. Even when I was acting, I sought out plays that had a purpose, something meaningful that would make people stop and think.
As a Christian, I believe safeguarding is something we are all called to do. Life can be tough, and we all need support at different points in our journey. As a mother, I know what it feels like to want to protect your children. That same desire to nurture and protect is what I feel for everyone in my community. I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact the church can have in someone’s life—both for the better and, unfortunately, sometimes for the worse. This is why safeguarding needs to be at the centre of every church, to ensure we can truly share God’s love and create a safe, welcoming environment for all.
I think about that line from the film I was part of: "A refuge for the refugee, a sanctuary for the broken. A space for the hurting to find healing, a place for the last, the least, and the lost." To me, this beautifully captures what a safe church environment should look like. Isn’t it exciting to think that we get to be part of something so important? But to do it well, we need to make sure we have the safeguards in place.
Why I said yes to the film
When the team approached me about being part of the film, I couldn’t say no. Safeguarding is something I’m incredibly passionate about, and I believe that we as a church have a responsibility to do it well. I love the church and want to see it grow, but we also need to be honest about our imperfections. Safeguarding is one area where we have sometimes failed, and this film is a way to help people reflect on that.
I believe in the arts as a powerful tool for change. Art can create space for us to pause and reflect. In some of the Psalms, the word Selah is used—it means to stop and think. That’s what I hope this film does. It’s a chance to stop, reflect, and consider how we can do better.
The impact I hope the film will have
I hope this film encourages people to think more deeply about safeguarding, to see it as a journey—one that recognises where the church has gone wrong but is also filled with hope for doing better. We’re all part of this journey. People come to church seeking hope, love, and meaning. By understanding the voices of survivors and victims, we can shape the environment in a way that truly reflects God’s love and care.
Safeguarding is about more than just policies and procedures. It’s about culture. It’s about ensuring that everyone who steps into a church feels safe, welcomed, and protected. I hope the film challenges people to think about how their actions, processes, and attitudes contribute to this goal.
Safeguarding as ministry
Sometimes, people see safeguarding as a barrier to ministry, but in reality, it is ministry. As the wife of a church leader, I’ve seen my husband come alongside people in all stages of life—families struggling to make ends meet, elderly people dealing with loneliness, children and teens wrestling with sadness or anxiety. Safeguarding is about knowing how to respond in these moments.
Isaiah 25:4 describes God as “a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress.” As His people, we are called to create that same safe space. It’s not just about having policies and procedures for the sake of it. Those things are there so that when unexpected situations arise, we know how to respond. Safeguarding is about creating a culture where everyone feels safe, where everyone knows they are loved, and where there’s no fear because God’s perfect love casts out all fear.
A culture of safeguarding
Ultimately, safeguarding goes beyond checklists and training sessions. It’s about the kind of culture we want to create in our churches. A culture where everyone—children, families, the vulnerable—feels safe, loved, and valued. A culture where ministry can flourish because people know they are in a place of safety and care. Safeguarding helps us care for others and for ourselves. It shows us how to create that refuge for those in need, a space where God’s love can shine through in all its fullness.
In the end, safeguarding is not a burden. It’s a beautiful part of our call to love one another well. It allows us to welcome people from all walks of life and be a place where they can encounter the healing, transforming love of Jesus. Isn’t that what church is all about?"
On Sunday 17 November 2024 join thousands of churches from diverse backgrounds and traditions across the UK to shout about safeguarding and help protect vulnerable people. Find out more at safeguardingsunday.org
