Healing Through Community
Wednesday 19th September 2018Today the Diocese has announced a pioneering initiative working with two local sexual violence crisis charities in a partnership called – ‘Healing Through Community’.
We will be working together with Survivors Manchester and Manchester Rape Crisis to provide help and practical support to those who are dealing with the impact of abuse.
Together our shared vision of understanding and reconciliation will help us to deliver support right in the heart of our parish communities.
The project, which can be accessed by any survivor of abuse will provide:
- 1:1 Client Therapy Services
- Group Support Services
- Funding of Male Telephone helpline
- Training to frontline workers across the Diocese to support them to better aid their understanding of working with survivors, managing disclosure, and understanding the subject of sexual abuse.
We have been working with Survivors Manchester on individual projects since 2016 and we are delighted that this new initiative enables us to continue on our journey and bring on board Manchester Rape Crisis. We recognise that although we can bring about change ourselves, we are stronger when we use the skills of others, to build partnerships that can bring about positive change.
Speaking ahead of the launch Bishop John said:
“As a Church our role is to support the most vulnerable among us. There is no place for abuse in our society and the Church is no different, our involvement in this project creates further opportunities for the Diocese to meet its responsibility of support and compassion to all its parishioners, wherever they are and where their abuse happened.
Our partnership with the Survivors Manchester and Manchester Rape Crisis teams is a positive step in our process of healing with survivors of abuse.”
Duncan Craig, Chief Executive of Survivors Manchester said:
“This is an amazing project and we’re so proud to be able to work on it with the Diocese of Salford and Manchester Rape Crisis.
“When the Diocese approached us, we recognised it was an amazing opportunity to work within a community to make a real difference and support those who may be suffering. Our hope is that this extensive programme of support will provide the tools and space for survivors to become empowered.”
What will it mean?
The Diocese of Salford will help fund a number of initiatives to be provided jointly by Survivors Manchester and Rape Crisis Manchester.
This will include funding of specialist therapists, the creation of a faith based support group and a programme of training within the diocese.
Who is the project for?
This project is available for all survivors of abuse, or those who have been affected by the abuse of a love one, wherever they are in the diocese and wherever the abuse happened.
How can I get access the project?
If you would like to access the support on offer you can call the National Male Survivor Helpline on 0808 800 5005 Or contact Manchester Rape Crisis on 0161 273 4500 or the Diocese of Salford Safeguarding Office on 0161 817 2206.
Tagged | Safeguarding
