Safeguarding Newsletter
A Safeguarding newsletter is distributed to Safeguarding Representatives each quarter by the Diocese of Northampton.
Articles from the latest newsletter - December 2023 - can be found below.
Safeguarding contact details and associated policies can be found here.
Safeguarding Audit
In November 2023, our diocese was the focus of a Safeguarding audit undertaken by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency.
The key findings of this audit are that the Diocese of Northampton is at the overall grading of Comprehensive Assurance at this time. Exemplary practice was seen in respect of the compassionate and innovative ways in which the Diocese seeks to engage with, and support, victim-survivors.
This was a planned audit in line with recommendations presented in the final report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, ICCSA published in 2022.
You can read the Pastoral Message here
An invitation to survivors of abuse
The diocese would very much appreciate hearing from people who have a lived experience of abuse so that we can involve them in the work we are doing to support survivors through our Healing and Reconciliation group.
If you think you might be able to help us in this work, or if you would like to find out more about what we are doing in the diocese to support survivors, please contact:
Danielle Dixon (Safeguarding Coordinator) on 01604 723514 or safeguarding@northamptondiocese.org
For further information about the Healing and Reconciliation group visit https://northamptondiocese.org/sgresources/
Resources and Support
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 in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
Further information about Safe Spaces, including their recent newsletter in November, can be accessed using www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/
Dates for your Diary
Tuesday 6th February 2024 – Safety Internet Day
Safer Internet Day 2024 will take place on the 6th of February 2024, with celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Inspiring change? Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online’.
Further information can be found at https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2024
Thursday 8th February 2024- International Day of Prayer for Victims of Trafficking
Josephine Bakhita is the Patron Saint of Human Trafficking. St. Josephine was born in 1869 and died in 1947. She was later beatified in 1992 and canonized in 2000 by Pope John Paul II. This prayer can be used to remember victims of trafficking.
Tuesday 7th May 2024 - National Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse
Please make a note of this day in your diaries to promote safeguarding. Material that can be used in support of this day will be available through the Bishops Conference website in due course https://www.cbcew.org.uk/day-of-prayer-for-survivors-of-abuse/
