Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. This could be abuse by someone who holds any role in the church or is linked to participating in a church-led activity or group.
If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support.
You do not have need to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church.
Your information will not be shared without your consent, unless you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Safe Spaces can provide a range of help, including advocating with authorities and other agencies, giving emotional support, providing information (including information on church and police procedures), understanding your needs and working together on individual support plans.
Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
Email: safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk
LiveChat - via the Safe Spaces website
The Derbyshire Carers Association has put together a list of useful helplines for Carers and others should they need help and support over the festive period, which can be downloaded here. The details are also available on the Derbyshire Carers Association website
This course has been designed for Readers and Clergy who hold Permission to Officiate (PtO) who are not heavily involved in ministry.
In Person
There are currently no dates available for this type of training
Online via Zoom
PTO/26D1 - Monday 29th June - 9.30 - 12.15 - Zoom - Book Here
Please email safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org if you require any further assistance.
What are the Parish Dashboards?
Safeguarding practice within the Church of England has developed significantly in recent years and is expected to continue evolving. While the introduction of new policies and procedures has strengthened safeguarding and made our churches safer, it has also increased the administrative responsibilities for Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSOs), incumbents, and PCCs.
Safeguarding Dashboards were designed by Clearly Simpler to help address this challenge by streamlining and simplifying safeguarding administration, supporting those responsible to manage their duties more efficiently and effectively.
What cost is involved?
It is free for Parishes.
How do I get access to our Parish Dashboard?
For existing users you can access the website by typing https://www.parishdashboards.org.uk/ into your browser, or click here for access.
If you are yet to register, you can only gain access by invitation. Please contact the Diocesan team on safeguarding@derby.anglican.org where a member of the team will assist.
Where can I get assistance using the Dashboard?
Detailed information and FAQs about the Dashboard are provided by Clearly Simpler, details can be found here; Parish Dashboard Support
I would like more information
You can access further information by typing https://safeguardingdashboards.org.uk/ into your browser, or clicking here.
The 15th - 21st November 2021 is National Safeguarding Adults Week which is led by the ann craft trust who work to act against abuse.
In Derbyshire the Derbyshire Adults Safeguarding Board is supporting the week with the provision of a number of free webinars and events. They write in thier latest newsletter (which may be downloaded in full here)
"The week is an opportunity for us all to come together to raise awareness of important safeguarding issues, facilitate conversations and share examples of best practice.
The theme of this year’s National Safeguarding Adults Week is ‘Creating Safer Cultures’. Promoting safer cultures is all about how organisations and individuals can take steps to minimise harm occurring in the first instance, whilst simultaneously ensuring correct policies and procedures are in place so that safeguarding concerns that are raised, are recognised and responded to effectively.
We are already planning our activities for the week, which include the launch of a new awareness-raising campaign, a special edition newsletter, social media posts, as well as some exciting webinar sessions on a variety of safeguarding topics. Please check our events page for the latest information.
We will be hosting the following FREE webinar sessions during National Safeguarding Adults Week, which are all aimed at front-line practitioners and managers across all our partner agencies working with adults who have care and support needs.
- Fire prevention and safeguarding (15 November 2021)
- Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and safeguarding adults (15 November 2021)
- Professional curiosity and the challenges of disguised compliance (16 November 2021)
- Modern slavery awareness (16 November 2021)
- Cyber awareness, fraud and scams (17 November 2021)
- Cuckooing and county lines (18 November 2021)
- Trauma-informed practice: safeguarding adults (19 November 2021)"
#safeguardingAdultsWeek
This course is for anyone involved in the recruitment, selection and management of staff or volunteer within church communities.
E-Learning
Please navigate to the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal to complete this course. It generally takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete.For assistance with the portal, please email the help desk at elearning@mail.safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org as this is managed nationally.
Please ensure that you list Derby as your Diocese, so we are notified of your completion of the course. If you do not indicate Derby, we will not be notified and your records will not be updated.
Please email safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org if you require any further assistance.
The Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse course is a specialist course exploring the nature and dynamics of domestic abuse, with a focus on church settings.
Some people can find the content of this course upsetting, and can lead to some people feeling retraumatised.There is support and information for those impacted by domestic abuse available here.
If you feel you may be affected by the contents of this course and would like to discuss an exemption, please contact Sue Griffin (sue.griffin@derby.anglican.org) our Victim and Survivor Lead, or, Lisa Marriott (lisa.marriott@derby.anglican.org) our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer for a confidential discussion.
E-Learning
Please navigate to the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal to complete this course. It generally takes around 120 minutes to complete.For assistance with the portal, please email the help desk at elearning@mail.safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org as this is managed nationally.
Please ensure that you list Derby as your Diocese, so we are notified of your completion of the course. If you do not indicate Derby, we will not be notified and your records will not be updated.
Online via Zoom
This course will have pastoral support available for delegates.
Cohort 26/J1 - Tuesday 16th June - 7-9pm - Zoom - Book Here
Cohort 26/L1 - Wedensday 29th July - 7-9pm - Zoom - Book Here
In Person
This course will have pastoral support available for delegates.
Cohort 26/J2 - Tuesday 7th July - 12:30-14:30pm - Emmanuel Church, 31 Church Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 8LF - Book Here
Cohort 26/K1 - Thursday 9th July - 2-4pm - Tansley Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, Tansley, Matlock. DE4 5FE - Book Here - 1 Space Remaining!
Please email safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org if you require any further assistance.
The Leadership Pathway is designed for those people who play a lead role in shaping the culture of the Church body in their context.
The Leadership Pathway can only be booked via the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal and is only available to those who have already completed Basic & Foundation training.
When logged into the portal navigate to ‘Leadership’ and ‘Derby Diocese – Leadership’, You will be asked to enrol initially, and then once approved, you must book onto either a Zoom or In-person course.
There is both preparation work and an evaluation task required to successfully complete the Leadership Pathway. These are completed via the portal.
For assistance with the portal, please email the help desk at elearning@mail.safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org as this is managed nationally.
For any other queries please contact safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org
Our next available dates are listed below, please direct to the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal to book;
Cohort L/23 - Thursday 9th July - 9.30-11am & 12-1.30pm - Tansley Holy Trinity Church 2 Portway Drive, Tansley, Matlock. DE4 5FE
Cohort L/24- Thursday 23rd & 30th July - 1-2.30pm - Zoom
Cohort L/25 - Thursday 23rd & 30th July 7-8.30pm - Zoom
The Foundation course is for those who hold responsibility for the safeguarding of others within church settings and activities. It can be completed by any member of the congregation, to support awareness raising and a culture of support and vigilance in the Church.
E-Learning
Please navigate to the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal to complete this course. It generally takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete.For assistance with the portal, please email the help desk at elearning@mail.safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org as this is managed nationally.
Please ensure that you list Derby as your Diocese, so we are notified of your completion of the course. If you do not indicate Derby, we will not be notified and your records will not be updated.
In Parish
Parishes are able to deliver this in small groups using the online e-learning course. For advice on how this can be done please contact safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org
In Person
There are a limited number of Foundation sessions offered in person for those unable to access online sessions. We currently have the following sessions available for booking:
B&F/03 - Tuesday 7th July - 09:30-12:00pm - Emmanuel Church, 31 Church Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 8LF - Book Here
Please email safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org if you require any further assistance.
The Basic course is for everyone within Church communities who needs to have a basic awareness of safeguarding issues.
E-Learning
Please navigate to the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal to complete this course. It generally takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete.For assistance with the portal, please email the help desk at elearning@mail.safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org as this is managed nationally.
Please ensure that you list Derby as your Diocese, so we are notified of your completion of the course. If you do not indicate Derby, we will not be notified and your records will not be updated.
In Parish
Parishes are able to deliver this in small groups using the online e-learning course. For advice on how this can be done please contact safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org
In Person
There are a limited number of Basic sessions offered in person for those unable to access online sessions. We currently have the following sessions available for booking:
B&F/03 - Tuesday 7th July - 09:30-12:00pm - Emmanuel Church, 31 Church Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 8LF - Book Here
Please email safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org if you require any further assistance.
Everyone who works for and/or volunteers for churches, parishes and worshipping communities within the Diocese of Derby needs some level of training.

We are committed to making our training accessible to all. Please let us know via safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org if you require any adjustments.
Information regarding the Parish Safeguarding Officer Induction / Refresher training can be found here; Resources for Parish Safeguarding Officers.
If you feel you may be affected by the contents of any safeguarding training please contact Sue Griffin sue.griffin@derby.anglican.org our Victim and Survivor Lead, or Lisa Marriott lisa.marriott@derby.anglican.org our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer for a confidential discussion.
Listed below are the training courses available with information on next available dates and booking information.
Basic Awareness Training
The Basic Awareness course is for everyone within Church communities who needs to have a basic awareness of safeguarding issues.
E-Learning
Please navigate to the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal to complete this course. It generally takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete.For assistance with the portal, please email the help desk at elearning@mail.safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org as this is managed nationally.
Please ensure that you list Derby as your Diocese, so we are notified of your completion of the course. If you do not indicate Derby, we will not be notified and your records will not be updated.
In Parish
Parishes are able to deliver this in small groups using the online e-learning course. For advice on how this can be done please contact safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org
In Person
There are a limited number of Basic Awareness courses offered in person for those unable to access online sessions. We currently have the following sessions available for booking:
Cohort B&F/03 - Tuesday 7th July - 09:30-12:00 - Emmanuel Church, 31 Church Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 8LF - FULLY BOOKED
Cohort B&F/04 - Wednesday 23rd September - 09:30-12:00 - St Matthew's, Hayfield, SK22 2JE - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Cohort B&F/05 - Wednesday 14th October - 13:15-15:45 - Church House, Derby, DE1 3DR - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Cohort B&F/06 - Tuesday 10th November - 13:30-16:00 - Bradbourne Church Hall, Bradbourne, DE6 1PB - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Foundation Training
The Foundation course is for those who hold responsibility for the safeguarding of others within church settings and activities. It can be completed by any member of the congregation, to support awareness raising and a culture of support and vigilance in the Church.
E-Learning
Please navigate to the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal to complete this course. It generally takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete.For assistance with the portal, please email the help desk at elearning@mail.safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org as this is managed nationally.
Please ensure that you list Derby as your Diocese, so we are notified of your completion of the course. If you do not indicate Derby, we will not be notified and your records will not be updated.
In Parish
Parishes are able to deliver this in small groups using the online e-learning course. For advice on how this can be done please contact safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org
In Person
There are a limited number of Foundation sessions offered in person for those unable to access online sessions. We currently have the following sessions available for booking:
Cohort B&F/03 - Tuesday 7th July - 09:30-12:00 - Emmanuel Church, 31 Church Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 8LF - FULLY BOOKED
Cohort B&F/04 - Wednesday 23rd September - 09:30-12:00 - St Matthew's, Hayfield, SK22 2JE - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Cohort B&F/05 - Wednesday 14th October - 13:15-15:45 - Church House, Derby, DE1 3DR - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Cohort B&F/06 - Tuesday 10th November - 13:30-16:00 - Bradbourne Church Hall, Bradbourne, DE6 1PB - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse Training
The Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse course is a specialist course exploring the nature and dynamics of domestic abuse, with a focus on church settings.
Some people can find the content of this course upsetting, and can lead to some people feeling retraumatised.There is support and information for those impacted by domestic abuse available here.
If you feel you may be affected by the contents of this course and would like to discuss an exemption, please contact Sue Griffin (sue.griffin@derby.anglican.org) our Victim and Survivor Lead, or, Lisa Marriott (lisa.marriott@derby.anglican.org) our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer for a confidential discussion.
E-Learning
Please navigate to the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal to complete this course. It generally takes around 120 minutes to complete.For assistance with the portal, please email the help desk at elearning@mail.safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org as this is managed nationally.
Please ensure that you list Derby as your Diocese, so we are notified of your completion of the course. If you do not indicate Derby, we will not be notified and your records will not be updated.
Online via Zoom
This course will have pastoral support available for delegates.
Cohort 26/L1 - Wednesday 29th July - 19:00-21:00 - Book Here
Cohort DA1 - Wednesday 5 August - 13:00-15:00 - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Cohort DA3 - Thursday 17 September - 19:00-21:00 - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Cohort DA5 - Monday 19 October - 09:30-11:30 - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Cohort DA6 - Saturday 7 November - 11:00-13:00 - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Cohort DA7 - Thursday 3 December - 19:00-21:00 - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
In Person
This course will have pastoral support available for delegates.
Cohort 26/J2 - Tuesday 7th July - 12:30-14:30 - Emmanuel Church, 31 Church Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 8LF- FULLY BOOKED
Cohort 26/K1 - Thursday 9th July - 14:00-16:00 - Tansley Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, Tansley, Matlock. DE4 5FE - FULLY BOOKED
Cohort DA2 - Wednesday 16 September - 13:30-15:30 - Church House, Derby, DE1 3DR - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Cohort DA4 - Wednesday 23 September - 13:00-15:00 - St Matthew’s, Hayfield, SK22 2JE - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Safer Recruitment and People Management Training
This course is for anyone involved in the recruitment, selection and management of staff or volunteer within church communities.
E-Learning
Please navigate to the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal to complete this course. It generally takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete.For assistance with the portal, please email the help desk at elearning@mail.safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org as this is managed nationally.
Please ensure that you list Derby as your Diocese, so we are notified of your completion of the course. If you do not indicate Derby, we will not be notified and your records will not be updated.
Leadership for those with Permission to Officiate (PtO)
This course has been designed for Readers and Clergy who hold Permission to Officiate (PtO) who are not heavily involved in ministry.
In Person
Cohort PTO1 - Wednesday 14th October - 09:30-12:15 - Church House, Derby, DE1 3DR - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Online via Zoom
Cohort PTO2 - Wednesday 2nd December - 13:00-15:45 - Safeguarding Training Booking Form
Leadership Training
The Leadership Pathway is designed for those people who play a lead role in shaping the culture of the Church body in their context.
The Leadership Pathway can only be booked via the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal and is only available to those who have already completed Basic & Foundation training.
When logged into the portal navigate to ‘Leadership’ and ‘Derby Diocese – Leadership’, You will be asked to enrol initially, and then once approved, you must book onto either a Zoom or In-person course.
There is both preparation work and an evaluation task required to successfully complete the Leadership Pathway. These are completed via the portal.
For assistance with the portal, please email the help desk at elearning@mail.safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org as this is managed nationally.
For any other queries please contact safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org
Our next available dates are listed below, please direct to the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal to book;
Cohort L/23 - Thursday 9th July - 09:30-13:30 - Tansley Holy Trinity Church 2 Portway Drive, Tansley, Matlock. DE4 5FE - FULLY BOOKED
Cohort L/24- Thursday 23rd & 30th July - 13:00-14:30 - via Zoom - FULLY BOOKED
Cohort L/25 - Thursday 23rd & 30th July - 19:00-20:30 - via Zoom - 5 spaces remaining, contact safeguardinglearning@derby.anglican.org
Cohort L/26 - Wednesday 5th & 12th August - 09:30-11:00 - via Zoom - Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal
Cohort L/27 - Monday 7th & 14th September - 09:30-11:00 - via Zoom - Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal
Cohort L/28 - Monday 14th & 21st September - 13:00-14:30 - via Zoom - Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal
Cohort L/29 - Wednesday 16th September - 09:30-13;00 - Church House, Derby, DE1 3DR - Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal
Cohort L/30 - Tuesday 29th September & 6th October - 19:00-20:30 - via Zoom - Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal
Cohort L/31 - Monday 5th & 12th October - 16:00-17:30 - via Zoom - Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal
Cohort L/32 - Wednesday 28th October & 4th November - 18:00-19:30 - via Zoom - Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal
Cohort L/33 - Tuesday 10th November - 09:30-13:00 - Bradbourne Church Hall, Bradbourne, DE6 1PB - Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal
Cohort L/34 - Wednesday 4th & 11th November - 09:30-11:00 - via Zoom - Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal
Cohort L/35 - Wednesday 18th & 25th November - 13:00-14:30 - via Zoom - Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal
Cohort L/36 - Tuesday 1st & 8th December - 19:00-20:30 - via Zoom - Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal
An essential part of our commitment to promoting a safer Church is ensuring that everyone who works or volunteers within our churches feels supported in offering their time and is suitable for the role they undertake.
As part of this commitment, we carry out DBS checks to identify any relevant convictions through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). In the Diocese of Derby, DBS checks must be renewed every three years and are processed through our provider, ThirtyOne:Eight.
What is a DBS check?
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a background screening process used in England and Wales to review an individual's criminal record. More information can be found here; https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service/about
Who needs a DBS check?
- The Church of England Policy: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- Regulated Activity Decision Making Flowchart
- Thirtyone:eight DBS Eligibility Guide
If you are unable to locate the information you require, we recommend speaking directly to ThirtyOne:Eight (ThirtyOne:Eight - Contact Us) as the DBS experts, they will be able to answer your query most effectively.
Who is responsible for monitoring my DBS and training compliance?
Please use the key below to identify who monitors your DBS and training compliance.
The PSO (Parish Safeguarding Officer) is responsible for my DBS and training compliance and I am a paid employee, what do I need to know?
Please speak with the person responsible for DBS processing within your parish, typically the Parish Safeguarding Officer or DBS Administrator, who will be able to guide you through the application process.
Once you have received your DBS certificate, should you wish to subscribe to the DBS Update Service, this costs £16 per year and is not covered by the Diocese.
The PSO (Parish Safeguarding Officer) is responsible for my DBS and training compliance and I am a volunteer, what do I need to know?
Please speak with the person responsible for DBS processing within your parish, typically the Parish Safeguarding Officer or DBS Administrator, who will be able to guide you through the application process.
Once you have received your DBS certificate, we recommend that volunteers register for the DBS Update Service. This must be done within 28 days of the certificate being issued and is free of charge.
Registering for the Update Service can help reduce administration for both the applicant and the organisation. Further information is available on the DBS Update Service – GOV.UK website.
The Diocese are responsible for my DBS and training compliance and I am new to post, what do I need to know?
Please see below step-by-step process. Alongside this you will also be invited to become a member of our Safeguarding Hub, which is the system we use to track DBS and Training compliance. The invite from this will come from admin@mail2.parishdashboards.org.uk.
- Email dbs@derby.anglican.org asking to start the DBS process, please include which role you are applying for/hold as we need this information.
- A member of the Diocesan team will send you the relevant confidential declaration form (CDF), Privacy Notice and ID check form.
- Fill out and sign the confidential declaration form (CDF)
- Read the Privacy Notice.
- Fill out the ID check form
- The ID check form and accompanying ID documents (eg passport, driving licence) need to be verified and signed by a trusted person. Ideally this should be the local Parish Safeguarding Officer. Where this is not possible, it is accepted for Clergy, Churchwardens or PCC Secretaries to sign. Please note, if this isn’t possible, please contact the Diocesan team on dbs@derby.anglican.org to discuss alternative options.
- Both the CDF and ID check form need to be sent to the Diocesan team for processing. This can be done by email to dbs@derby.anglican.org or via post to Church House, Derby, DE1 3DR.
- The Diocesan team will initiate the DBS renewal process through our provider Thirtyone:Eight.
- An email will be sent to the candidate from ThirtyOne:Eight. This includes a link which, when clicked, will ask you to enter recent address history etc.
- No further action required, await outcome from Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Applications can be tracked here; DBS Tracking Service
The DBS update service cannot be used for home-based roles which most covered under the Diocese are.
The Diocese are responsible for my DBS and training compliance and I need to renew my DBS, what do I need to know?
- You should have recevied a notification from the safeguarding hub that your DBS is due to expire in 3 months time.
- A member of the Diocesan team will send you the relevant confidential declaration form (CDF), Privacy Notice and ID check form.
- Fill out and sign the confidential declaration form (CDF)
- Read the Privacy Notice.
- Fill out the ID check form
- The ID check form and accompanying ID documents (eg passport, driving licence) need to be verified and signed by a trusted person. Ideally this should be the local Parish Safeguarding Officer. Where this is not possible, it is accepted for Clergy, Churchwardens or PCC Secretaries to sign. Please note, if this isn’t possible, please contact the Diocesan team on dbs@derby.anglican.org to discuss alternative options.
- Both the CDF and ID check form need to be sent to the Diocesan team for processing. This can be done by email to dbs@derby.anglican.org or via post to Church House, Derby, DE1 3DR.
- The Diocesan team will initiate the DBS renewal process using our provider Thirtyone:Eight.
- An email will be sent to the candidate from ThirtyOne:Eight. This includes a link which, when clicked, will ask you to enter recent address history etc.
- No further action required, await outcome from Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Applications can be tracked here; DBS Tracking Service
The DBS update service cannot be used for home-based roles which most covered under the Diocese are.
I have an accessibility issue and/or am struggling with this process.
We are committed to making our processes accesible to all, please contact a member of the team (Safeguarding Team) who will be happy to discuss this with you.
10 October is Safeguarding Sunday. It is a great opportunity to highlight that protecting vulnerable people is at the heart of the Christian message and to explore what safer places look like.
Bishop Jonathan Gibbs, the Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop said recently:
"Whether churches can give just a few minutes or dedicate their whole service, Safeguarding Sunday is a really helpful and important way of focusing on all the work that goes on 365 days a year in our churches to make them safe places."
"From our children’s and young people’s activities to clubs for the elderly and foodbanks, our churches are involved in every community. Protecting vulnerable people is at the heart of the Christian message."
"Safeguarding Sunday is all about creating an opportunity for churches to show their communities that they take this responsibility seriously"
If you are interested in taking part, please visit the thirtyone:eight website where you can download free resources, including prayers and videos:
The latest Safeguarding Newsletter has just been sent to all Parish Safeguarding Officers. If you do not receive a copy and would like to read more about the work happening in Safeguarding in the Diocese and a little more about one of the safeguarding team you can download the newsletter here.
The 10th of September every year, this year Friday, is World Suicide Prevention Day. This is hosted by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). The theme for WSPD 2021-23 is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ and is a reminder there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.
The Samaritans latest newsletter which is avaialble here to download and read has information about some of the work they have engaged in across the UK to prevent suicide, and study the impact of of COVID-19 on suicide thoughts and attempts. Next time you see someone who may be struggling, what could you say to them? There is a great line and logo in the newletter - read on and see: Samaritans Advice Service Newletter
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Here is what the United Nations say…
[Elder abuse] is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community. … Although the extent of elder mistreatment is unknown, its social and moral significance is obvious. As such, it demands a global multifaceted response, one which focuses on protecting the rights of older persons.
It is understood that more than a million older people experience abuse or neglect in the UK every year. Instances of abuse during lockdown have increased. Those who are particularly vulnerable may accept help from those who seek to exploit them, as they will be at risk without the safeguards offered by regular day-to-day contact with the outside world.
Both of our local Safeguarding Adults Board support WEAAD each year. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations. The County Board has produced a video presentation with help from 2 Derbyshire care homes, Ada Belfield in Belper and Rowthorne in Swanwick, whose staff and residents feature. The link to the video can be found here: https://www.derbyshiresab.org.uk/about-us/events.aspx
Please do your bit to raise awareness of the importance of recognising and reporting abuse and neglect of older people in our communities.









