Safeguarding Sunday: ‘Let’s be open about what we’ve got wrong’

Safeguarding Sunday: ‘Let’s be open about what we’ve got wrong’

Churches will be encouraged to be more transparent about their safeguarding practices as part of next month’s Safeguarding Sunday (17 Nov).

Promoted by independent Christian safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight, who are exhibiting at CRE 24, churches will reflect on 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.

Peter Wright, Thirtyone:eight’s head of communications and campaign lead, said: ‘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.

Thirtyone:eight’s safeguarding accreditation scheme, to enable churches to raise safety standards, will also be a focus on the Thirtyone:eight stand at CRE 24. The first-of-its-kind, the scheme enables UK-based churches, charities and organisations to independently verify and demonstrate their commitment to creating safer places for all.

Leigh McFarlane, public policy and research manager for Thirtyone:eight, said: ‘With more than 168,000 registered charities in England and Wales, and over 28,000 in Scotland, the need to demonstrate compliance and a commitment to safer practice is vital so that those who engage with them can have full confidence that they will be properly protected from harm or abuse.’

• Thirtyone:eight are on stand B19 at CRE 24

CRE 2025

To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk