We want to support anyone who has experienced abuse. We are aware that people disclose abuse that has taken place both inside and outside of church settings.
What support can I expect?
- We will enable you to access therapeutic support to address your emotional and mental health needs
- We will offer to you the assistance of a Support Person
- We will help you access spiritual and/ or pastoral support
- We will apologise for our failings
- You can choose to access advice independent from the Church
- You can apply for urgent and immediate support
This document is a summary of responding well to victims and survivors of abuse and sets out what you can expect from the Church: Responding Well – a guide for victims and survivors of abuse
Diocese of Gloucester survivor strategy
We have also put together a short document which sets out how we will respond as a diocese:
National contacts
- Safe Spaces: a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church of England and Wales.
- Interim Support Scheme: provides immediate help to survivors affected by abuse and its aftermath.
- MACSAS: supports survivors of sexual abuse by church leaders, catering to those who stayed in or left their faith communities.
- Survivors Voices: a survivor-led group offering peer support and resources for victims of various abuses, including faith-based.
- Replenished Life: an independent charity providing practical advice and support for abuse survivors within faith contexts.
- Thirtyone:eight: a leading independent, non-denominational Christian safeguarding charity providing a wide range of support to over 10,000 organisations across the UK. They exist to help create safer places for all, including an open access helpline
Diocesan contacts
As a Diocesan Safeguarding Team, we want to give as many options for contact with us as possible. You can make contact in any of the following ways:
- Email us via: ku.gr1734624961o.coi1734624961dsolg1734624961@gnid1734624961rauge1734624961fas1734624961
- Call us on 01452 835516 (office hours) or 07944 680320 (out of hours)
- Ask an advocate or other third party to make contact with our team initially, so we can talk in general, anonymised terms about your case and how we might best make contact and respond to you
- In person at Church House in Gloucester or at a neutral alternative venue, with an advocate or other third-party present if wanted
- Via Zoom or Teams, with or without your camera on, to enable you to feel as safe as possible
- By post: Diocese of Gloucester Safeguarding Team, Church House, College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LY
In addition to the above, contact can also come via the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team (NST), who can be emailed at: gro.d1734624961nalgn1734624961efohc1734624961ruhc@1734624961gnidr1734624961augef1734624961as1734624961
