In everything we do—whether in church, schools, leadership, family life, or our wider communities—Christians must be a voice for all who need support. Safeguarding isn’t just a policy; it’s a way of living out our faith, making sure that everyone is safe, valued and heard.
God calls us to care for and protect those who are vulnerable. This means listening to them, standing up for them, learning from them and treating them with fairness, kindness, and respect.
We know that speaking about abuse—whether past or present, inside or outside the Church—can be incredibly difficult. Sadly, the Church has not always responded well to those who have shared their experiences.
We deeply regret where we have failed, and we are committed to doing better. We want to honour the trust of those who reach out by listening with care, responding with integrity, and ensuring that safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do.
Our role is not just to hear but to walk alongside survivors with care, ensuring they are met with justice, dignity, and the help they need.
How to contact us
The safeguarding team at Church House, Gloucester, supports all the worshipping communities within the Diocese of Gloucester. We work with statutory agencies, offer training, and connect with local and national safeguarding organisations. You can find all contact details here: www.gloucester.anglican.org/about-us/safeguarding
What to expect from us
We know that speaking about abuse—whether past or present, inside or outside the church—can be incredibly difficult. We are committed to listening, believing, and responding with care, making sure everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
We will:
- Take you seriously and listen to you.
- Respond within 24 hours if you leave a message.
- Communicate clearly about any next steps.
- Direct you to appropriate support and guidance, including signposting to other organisations if needed.
- Provide an emergency contact option when our office is closed.
We understand that experiences of abuse can deeply affect a person’s life and faith. Sadly, the Church has not always responded well, but we are committed to learning and doing better.
We help you to find the right support to address your emotional and mental health needs. You can find more information about this here.
If the abuse you experience was church-based, additional support may be available to you.
Contacts
- Safe Spaces (0300 303 1056): 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 (0808 801 0340): 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 07746 153703: an independent charity providing practical advice and support for abuse survivors within faith contexts.
- Thirtyone:eight (0303 003 1111): 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
- Samaritans (0330 094 5717): For anyone needing to talk.
- Childline (0800 1111): For young people under 19.
- NSPCC (0800 80 20 20): Support for children and families.
- GDASS (01452 726 570): Domestic abuse support in Gloucestershire.
- GRASAC: Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre.
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: Support for those at risk.
- Papyrus (0800 068 4141): Help for people under 35 struggling with suicidal thoughts.
- The Silver Line (0800 4 70 80 90): Support for older people.
Helpful resources
Survivors have recommended these resources for understanding the Church’s response to abuse:
If you or someone you know needs support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You are not alone.
Giving feedback
We value feedback from survivors and those affected by abuse. Your insights help us improve our response. You can send feedback to the diocesan safeguarding team on the details below.
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.gr1740214148o.coi1740214148dsolg1740214148@gnid1740214148rauge1740214148fas1740214148
- 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.d1740214148nalgn1740214148efohc1740214148ruhc@1740214148gnidr1740214148augef1740214148as1740214148
To read the Diocese of Gloucester’s policy for support →
