Safe Spaces England & Wales

23/06/2026

We’re pleased to share the publication of the Safe Spaces 2025 Evaluation Report, highlighting the difference the service is making for survivors of church-related abuse.

Safe Spaces provides independent, confidential advocacy and emotional support for adults (18+) who have experienced abuse within the Catholic Church of England and Wales, the Church of England, or the Church in Wales.

This latest evaluation draws on extensive feedback from survivors, staff, stakeholders, and partners. The findings are clear: Safe Spaces continues to make a meaningful impact, with survivors reporting improved wellbeing, increased confidence, and, crucially, feeling heard.

What the report shows:
• Survivors value the independence and trauma-informed approach
• People feel more supported to take steps that are right for them
• 100% of survivors said the duration of support felt right (up from 73% in 2024)

The report also identifies opportunities to strengthen the service further, including improving awareness, refining the service remit, and enhancing data systems.

Safe Spaces is delivered by First Light, with a dedicated team committed to providing compassionate, survivor-centred support.

📄 Read the full report:
https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/evaluation-of-independent-survivor-support-service-reports-survivors-describing-improvements-in-wellbeing/

📞 Support is available:
Call: 0300 303 1056
Visit: https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/

If you or someone you know needs support, Safe Spaces is here to listen.

16/06/2026

Help shape the future of Safe Spaces

We’re launching a new Safe Spaces Experts with Lived Experience Panel and we’d love to hear from you.

Have you used our Safe Spaces service?
Did it help you feel heard, supported, or connected?
Or do you have ideas about how it could be better?

We’re looking for people with lived experience to join our panel and help shape and improve the service. This is a chance to share your insights in a safe, supportive way and influence real change.

You might be a good fit if you:
• Have used Safe Spaces
• Have thoughts, ideas, or feedback to share
• Want to help create a supportive, empowering space for others
• Feel ready to use your voice to influence change

Your insight matters. Your voice can make a difference.

Find out more and apply:
https://www.firstlight.org.uk/go/safe-spaces-panel

05/06/2026

29/05/2026

22/05/2026

🔔 Bank Holiday Operating Hours – Monday 25th May 2026

Please note that some of our services will be closed during the Bank Holiday weekend.

📍 Safe Spaces England & Wales
❌ Church-related Abuse Service will be closed

🚨 Need urgent support?
These services are available 24/7:
📞 National R**e Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999
📞 National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999 (or 101 for non-emergencies).

✅ All services will reopen on Tuesday 26th May
💻 Find more support here:
https://www.firstlight.org.uk/support_services/

19/05/2026

Stay Informed, Get Involved!

Join our supportive community by signing up for our newsletter and learn about the important work we are doing to ensure every voice is heard, supported, and believed.

Our newsletter is your go-to source for:
• Campaigns: Stay updated on our latest initiatives.
• Training: Access valuable resources and training sessions to empower yourself and others.
• Webinars: Participate in insightful webinars led by experts in the field.
• Fundraising: Learn about our fundraising initiatives and how you can get involved.
• And More: Be the first to know about all our activities and events!

👉 Sign up now and together, we can create change.

Click the link to sign up or visit our Bio.
https://www.firstlight.org.uk/newsletter/

01/05/2026

**Please note, some of our service will be closed during the Bank Holiday. (Monday 4th May 2026)

Your safety and well-being are our top priority, and we want to ensure that you have the support you need at all times.

If you require urgent assistance during this Bank Holiday weekend, please reach out to the following 24/7 helplines:
📞 National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
📞 National R**e Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999

Remember, if you are in immediate danger, please do not hesitate to call 999.

All services will return to regular operating hours from Tuesday 5th May.

28/04/2026

Our Safe Spaces Team are in Tamworth today attending the Religious Life Safeguarding Conference.

We’re here to raise awareness of our Church-related abuse service, share information, and answer any questions.

Thank you to the Religious Life Safeguarding Service for inviting us and providing a stand for us to raise awareness.

20/04/2026

Stay Informed, Get Involved!

Join our supportive community by signing up for our newsletter and learn about the important work we are doing to ensure every voice is heard, supported, and believed.

Our newsletter is your go-to source for:
• Campaigns: Stay updated on our latest initiatives.
• Training: Access valuable resources and training sessions to empower yourself and others.
• Webinars: Participate in insightful webinars led by experts in the field.
• Fundraising: Learn about our fundraising initiatives and how you can get involved.
• And More: Be the first to know about all our activities and events!

👉 Sign up now and together, we can create change.

Click the link to sign up or visit our Bio.
https://www.firstlight.org.uk/newsletter/

14/04/2026

Worried someone might be checking your online activity?

Clearing your browser history can help protect your privacy and keep you safer online.
It only takes a couple of minutes, and you can do it on phones, tablets, or computers using Safari, Edge, or Chrome.

If you think someone could be monitoring your internet use, this small step can make a real difference

👉 Use our simple, step by step guide or visit:
https://www.firstlight.org.uk/online-support/clearing-your-internet-browser-history/