If you are a victim or survivor of church-related abuse, or you or someone you know has been affected by one of the independent reports looking into safeguarding practice within the diocese, please know that support is available to you.
Please read the guide 'Responding well to victims and survivors' which provides information about sources of support.
Any individual who wishes to come forward with information or to make a disclosure is encouraged to make direct contact with the diocesan Safeguarding Team.
For all reporting and enquires please email safeguarding@chester.anglican.org.
Thirtyone:eight
If you prefer, you can speak to someone independent who will also listen to your concerns, you can ring our partner organisation, Thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111.
Thrityone:eight is an independent Christian charity that offers a telephone listening service for adult survivors of abuse to talk about their experiences in detail and in confidence with a sensitive listener. Download this leaflet for more information about the Thirtyone:eight listening service.
Safe Spaces
However, we recognise that for those with a lived experience of abuse from within the Church, you may want to speak to a different independent charity. Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service that provides a confidential, personal, and safe space for anyone who is a victim or survivor of church-related abuse. You can email them at SafeSpaces@FirstLight.org.uk or speak to someone in person on 0300 303 1056.
Opening hours run Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm and Sunday from 1pm - 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111, and adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000.
The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331.