Thirtyone:eight, the UK's leading independent Christian safeguarding charity, has launched its annual safeguarding awareness campaign for churches – Safeguarding Sunday. This year the emphasis of the campaign is ‘Let’s Talk About It’ – encouraging churches to be more transparent about its safeguarding practices.
The campaign now in its 6th year is held to coincide with Safeguarding Adults Week and Wales National Safeguarding Week and sees thousands of churches from diverse backgrounds and traditions across the UK coming together to consider their safeguarding journey.
Safeguarding Sunday will be observed this year on 17 November 2024 when churches will reflect on, and talk about, where they may have got things wrong in the past, think about how they are supporting those who have been hurt or harmed, and highlight and celebrate all the good work that is being done behind the scenes to protect vulnerable people and create safer cultures and communities for all both now and in the future.
Churches that have taken part previously report:
- Greater positive awareness and understanding of safeguarding among church members.
- An increase in the number of people feeling able to talk about their abuse for the first time.
- An increased number of people completing safeguarding training and criminal record checks.
- More volunteers coming forward for safeguarding roles and to help with children’s and youth work.
- Bigger numbers of Safeguarding Leads feel supported in their role by their church.
One participating church said, “It makes safeguarding sound every day and accessible for people in the church, not a big scary or threatening thing, just a normal part of what we do, which is exactly how it should be.”
Archdeacon Andy Wooding Jones, Bishop’s Lead for Safeguarding, Diocese of Rochester comments, “It is of course vital that we keep alert to our safeguarding responsibilities throughout the year. However, I am delighted to see not just the level of response but also the many different and creative ways churches within the Diocese have engaged with Safeguarding Sunday this year.”
Peter Wright, Thirtyone:eight's Head of Communications and campaign lead said, “Protecting vulnerable people from harm and speaking up for their rights is an integral part of our scriptural mandate as Christians. Sadly, the church hasn’t always done this well. But we have a chance to change that. That’s why our theme and focus for this year is – ‘Let’s talk about it’. It’s time to have open and honest conversations about what we’ve got wrong and what we’re getting right. It’s a chance to listen and talk together about how we can effectively prevent abuse and create a Church where everyone can feel and be safe.”
To take part Churches can register for a free digital resource pack at safeguardingsunday.org which makes running a service easy, including, prayers, sermon notes, activity ideas, children’s resources and loads more.
Peter says, “Taking just one Sunday to talk about safeguarding, can have a huge impact. Whatever the tradition or style of your church, if you have just a few minutes or can dedicate a whole service it all counts. Last year over 4,000 churches united and took part. Join us and be part of this incredible movement for good.”
For more information about the campaign and to register go to: SafeguardingSunday.org
