Training and Events Safeguarding Team
Victims/survivors who have experienced abuse
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 are deeply sorry for where we have failed, and we are committed to doing better. We will ensure that those people to talk to us about abuse are listened to with care, understanding and we will will ensure that we will walk alongside them and support them with their every need.
How to contact us
The safeguarding team at The Palace, Hereford, supports all the worshipping communities within the Diocese of Hereford. We work with statutory agencies, offer training, and connect with local and national safeguarding organisations. You can find all contact details here: Diocese of Hereford Safeguarding Team
What will you expect from us if you make contact?
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.
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.
If you have experinced any abuse within the church, please click here for further information
Support agency information and links can be found below
West Mercia Police
If you are in immediate danger you should call the police on 999. You may wish to go directly to the police with a non-urgent report in which case you can do so via the non-emergency number 101 or online here.
The police take reports of abuse very seriously and by clicking the above you can access additional steps to report domestic abuse, sexual or violent abuse, hate crime, harassment and stalking online should you wish to.
Accessing support in the Church of England
Safe Spaces
Safe Spaces is 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. This could be abuse by someone who holds any role at the church or is linked to participating in a church-led activity or group.
If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Safe Spaces opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm, Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday from 1pm-5pm (excluding bank holidays, subject to review).
Tel: 0300 303 1056
Email: safespaces@firstlight.org.uk
Click here for LiveChat or to see their website.
"If I told you, whay would you do?"
The Diocese of Newcastle have worked jointly with the Safe Spaces project to create resources which aim to engage with survivors of faith-based abuse, as well as with those who need to see, hear and respond well to them. They are willing to share these resources and we wholeheartedly recommend them to you via This Link - please share with your parishes as you wish.
The Church of England’s interim Support Scheme
https://www.churchofengland.org/node/49056 offers immediate help and support to survivors whose life circumstances are significantly affected by the abuse suffered, and the response to it.
Accessing support from partners and relevant organisations
National Domestic Violence Helpline
help for women fleeing domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence.
Tel: 0808 2000 247 Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Rape Crisis England & Wales
Rape Crisis is a charity working to end sexual violence and abuse. You can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line and speak to one of their specialists – at any time of the day or night. Call free on 0808 500 2222 or go to the website to start a free online chat.
Women's Aid
Male Survivors Partnership
The Survivor’s Trust
An umbrella organisation for over 140 specialist support services in the field of sexual violence and abuse. They offer a range of services to survivors such as helplines, resources and support groups around the UK. For these services, where you are based does not determine whether you can access the service https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/national-services
Mankind
Their clinical team are all qualified practitioners, with extensive experience of working with men who have had unwanted sexual experiences. https://mkcharity.org/what-we-offer/online-counselling/
Mind Herefordshire
This is Hereforshire's local mental health charity. The main aim is that no one should have to face mental health problems alone.
https://herefordshire-mind.org.uk/
NAPAC (The National Association for People Abused in Childhood)
NAPAC offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect https://napac.org.uk/about-napac/
Victims' Code - Victim Support
Offer help to anyone affected by crime. Not only those who experience it directly, but also their friends, family and any other people involved. It doesn’t matter when the crime took place, or whether you’ve reported it to the police. You can get help at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are independent from the police, and support is free and confidential. https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
MACSAS Minister & Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors
MACSAS supports women and men who have been sexually abused, as children or adults, by ministers, clergy or others under the guise of the Church.
The Helpline is currently open on Saturdays from 9.00am - 11.30am and Wednesdays 7.00 pm - 9.30 pm.
Survivors Voices
A survivor-led organisation that runs peer support groups for victim-survivors of all kinds of abuse, including faith-based abuse. It has a newsletter and other special events for survivors of abuse experienced in churches and other faith-based communities.
Replenished Life
An independent charity that provides practical advice and support for those who have experienced abuse and trauma within faith and faith organisations providing a range of options.
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
Finding support from other organisations
There are a number of charities and organisations that can offer support to victims and survivors of all types of abuse outside of office hours, either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
Age UK
The leading charity for older people. You can contact Age UK for help, information and advice on 0800 678 1602, 8am-7pm, 365 days a year.
Childline
A free, private and confidential service designed to help anyone under the age of 19 with any issue they're going through. You can talk to their counsellors by calling 0800 1111, email or using a 1-2-1 chat.
Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse)
https://www.wearehourglass.org/
works to challenge and prevent the abuse of older people. Call their helpline on 0808 808 8141 or email helpline@wearehourglass.org.
NSPCC Helpline
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/nspcc-helpline/
Call on 0808 800 5000 for support and advice for free if you are concerned for a child or young person.
Samaritans
Available 24 hours a day for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. Call 116 123 for free.
Galop
If you identify as LGBT+ and have experienced abuse and violence, you can call– the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity – on 0800 999 5428 for emotional and practical support.
Men's Advice Line
https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
Male victims of domestic abuse can call on 0808 8010 327 or ManKind (0182 3334 244) for non-judgemental information and support.
A full list of organisations offering support to survivors, including therapy and counselling resources, helplines and self-help resources, is available to download https://www.churchofengland.org/media/18788 .