Safe Spaces, which launched in September 2020, is an independent advocacy and support service for victims and survivors of church-related abuse in the Catholic Church of England and Wales, the Church of England, and the Church in Wales. 

We were originally commissioned to assess the pilot of Safe Spaces which ran from 2020 until the autumn of 2022, following which we carried out an independent evaluation into the programme producing an annual report for the year 2023.

The report notes that based on the views of survivors engaged in the evaluation, consultations with staff, as well as the monitoring reports, Safe Spaces has had a positive impact on the wellbeing and resilience of survivors. It also highlights areas where the transition from the pilot project to the new service could have been smoother.

Safe Spaces is operated by the charity First Light, with a dedicated team of six highly trained professionals in place supported by robust systems and processes to manage risks. The service is available to adults aged 18 or over who have experienced any kind of Church related abuse, including, but not limited to sexual violence, inappropriate sexual behaviour, physical abuse, financial abuse or exploitation, psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour and conversion therapy.

Responding to the report, trustees of Safe Spaces England and Wales said: “As Trustees, we are delighted that Rocket Science has produced a further annual review of the work of Safe Spaces. Their independent Report highlights the progress made by First Light since taking over the contract in early 2023 and the support offered to victims and survivors. In particular we note the ten recommendations made by Rocket Science and we will be working with First Light on seeking ways to support their implementation.”

Martin Christmas-Nelson, from First Light, added: “First Light are thankful to the survivors of church-related abuse who assisted in producing this report, and also grateful to Rocket Science for working closely with Safe Spaces to ensure the survivors were supported throughout what can be a difficult process. The team at First Light are proud of the findings of this report and the progress that has been made to make Safe Spaces an even more effective service for survivors of abuse. First Light are committed to using survivor voices to help guide and improve the service Safe Spaces already provides and help improve the lives and wellbeing of those who seek Safe Spaces support.”

Read the full report here.