Support for Survivors
The Diocese of Salford asks anybody who has been harmed by abuse within the Catholic Church, whether recent or historic, to get in touch with our safeguarding team. It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to the relevant authorities.
The Diocese of Salford recognises the impact of abuse on both individuals and their families. We also accept the findings of IICSA (The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse) and Elliot report that encourage transparency and openness.
We want to continue to learn and develop our safeguarding work, by working closely with survivors of abuse and listening to their experiences.
The Diocese of Salford encourages anybody with an allegation or concern which involves a person from the Catholic Church, to talk to our safeguarding team. All communications will be handled sensitively and considerably.
If you wish to report a concern, or just make an enquiry, then contact our safeguarding team on 0161 817 2206, safeguarding@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or by clicking here.
We understand that each survivor’s journey is unique. Our approach prioritises your safety, dignity, and privacy, creating a space where you can feel safe and valued. Whether you are seeking information, support, or simply someone to listen, we are here for you.
Key Principles of Our Survivor-Centered Approach
- Safety First
- Your physical, emotional, and psychological safety is our priority. We are committed to providing a safe environment free from judgment, harm, and retraumatisation.
- Confidentiality
- We handle all personal information with the utmost care and confidentiality. Any disclosures or shared experiences are respected, and information is only shared when absolutely necessary and with your consent whenever possible.
- Empowerment and Choice
- We believe that you are the expert of your own experience. Our role is to support you by providing options and resources, allowing you to make decisions that feel right for you.
- Respect and Compassion
- Every interaction with our team is grounded in empathy and respect. We understand the complex impact of trauma and provide support at a pace that respects your needs and boundaries.
- Accountability and Transparency
- We hold ourselves accountable to high standards of care and transparency in all our actions. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, we encourage open feedback so we can continuously improve our services.
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church of England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
Safe Spaces Services will be available on 0300 303 1056.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9am-1pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm (excluding bank holidays).
Find out more at Safe Spaces England and Wales – Safe Spaces England and Wales