On Sunday, 16 November 2025, churches across the UK will once again come together for Safeguarding Sunday – a national awareness-raising campaign led by Thirtyone:eight, the UK’s leading independent Christian safeguarding charity.
Launched today, and now in its seventh year, Safeguarding Sunday is a powerful opportunity for churches of all sizes and denominations to pause, reflect, and take meaningful action to create safer communities for all. Last year, more than 5,000 churches participated, united by one simple belief - safeguarding matters.
In a year where public trust in the Church continues to be tested by revelations of abuse and silence, Safeguarding Sunday offers a moment for honest reflection – and a bold call to transformation.
This year’s campaign theme – Action Speaks Louder – urges churches to go beyond good intentions and conversations, and take concrete steps to improve safeguarding in their communities.
“When we look at the life of Jesus, he didn’t just teach – he took action,” says Peter Wright, Head of Strategic Communications at Thirtyone:eight. “It’s time for us to move from talking about safeguarding to taking action that reflects our calling to love, protect, and care for others.”
Safeguarding Sunday is a chance to celebrate what’s working, acknowledge where more is needed, and build a future where everyone – children and adults – can feel safe and be safe in church.
Whether it’s a full-service or a few moments of reflection, churches participating in Safeguarding Sunday are encouraged to:
- Celebrate the unsung heroes who help keep people safe
- Reflect on how to grow in care, transparency, and accountability
- Pray for healing, justice, and wisdom
- Commit to building a safeguarding culture that is second nature
Free resources are available to help churches plan their involvement, including service guides, prayer materials, videos, and activity packs.
By taking part in Safeguarding Sunday 2025, churches signal their commitment to not only having safeguarding policies in place but living them out in action. It’s a practical, powerful way to show local communities what love in action really looks like.
For more information about the campaign and to register go to: SafeguardingSunday.org