Season of Safeguarding

From Monday 14 - Friday 18 November, Ely Cathedral and the Diocese of Ely will be marking a Season of Safeguarding.

Throughout the week, there will be a series of events that will focus on, and raise awareness of, a wide-ranging number of safeguarding issues that affect all of our communities.

The week will bring together presentations from a wide range of organisations that offer advice and support for victims and survivors of harm and abuse. These include the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Service, Independent Domestic Violence Advisory Service (IDVA), Survivors Voices, Hate Crime Awareness, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Local Safeguarding Partnership Board and the Clewer Initiative.

The Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon and Wisbech, will also be giving a webinar on A Theology of Safeguarding, and throughout the week there will be a LOUDfence installation in Ely Cathedral as a visible display of support and solidarity with those affected by abuse. Visitors will be able to tie ribbons to the fence to represent the voices of those who wish to speak out in support and defence of those affected by abuse. Those unable to attend in person will also be able to submit a ‘virtual ribbon’ via the link below.

The week’s schedule of activities and how to book your place
Please note that you will need to book onto each Zoom webinar you wish to attend in order to receive the Zoom access details for each session.

Monday 14 November, 10am
Launch of Safeguarding Season with the Dean of Ely and the Bishop of Huntingdon and the opening of the LOUDfence installation, all are welcome to attend.

The LOUDfence installation will open at 10am, supported by representatives from Survivors Voices and the Diocese of Ely Safeguarding Team throughout the day until 4pm. It will then remain in place for the duration of the week, closing at 4pm on Friday 18 November.

The LOUDfence installation will be a visible display of support and solidarity with those affected by abuse. Visitors will be able to tie ribbons to the fence to represent the voices of those who wish to speak out in support and defence of those affected by abuse. Those unable to attend in person are able to submit a ‘virtual ribbon’ for the LOUDfence installation and a member of the Team will ensure it is reproduced and added to the LOUDfence.

Submit a"Virtual ribbon" by clicking here.

Tuesday 15 November, 10-11.30am
Webinar: Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Service
Introduction: What to do if you are concerned about someone?
Facilitator: A free webinar facilitated by Vickie Crompton from the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Group.
Book your free place to receive your Zoom access details here

Tuesday 15 November, 2-3.30pm
Webinar: Understanding the role of the Independent Domestic Violence Advisory Service (IDVA)
Introduction: Insight into the role of the IDVA and how they can support male and female domestic abuse victims and survivors.
Facilitator: Deirdre Reed, IDVA Operational Manager/MARAC Chair.
Book your free place to receive your Zoom access details here

Wednesday 16 November, 10am - 11.30am
Webinar: Survivors Voices - How to be a trustworthy and trauma-sensitive recipient of disclosure and offer a safe space to be heard, seen and supported.
Introduction: Explore the experience of disclosure from a survivor’s perspective. By understanding trauma responses to abuse, we can identify ways to hold a safe space for victims to disclose. We’ll look at the importance of connection and co-regulation, so that we can recognise disclosure and respond well to victim-survivors.
Facilitator: Jane Chevous, a survivor of child abuse, sexual exploitation and clergy abuse. A writer, activist, researcher and educator, she uses her lived and professional experience to lead Survivors Voices, a survivor-led organisation which turns the pain of abuse into the power to transform society’s response to trauma. A qualified youth and community worker, social worker and lifelong learning teacher with 40+ years’ experience in statutory, voluntary and faith sectors, she has just completed an MSc in Mental Health Recovery and Social Inclusion. Jane is one of the survivor representatives on the Church of England National Safeguarding Panel.
Book your free place to receive your Zoom access details here

Wednesday 16 November, 2.30pm - 4pm
Webinar: Hate Crime Awareness
Introduction: Learn about what Hate crime is, how it effects individuals and communities and why it is so important to report it.
Facilitator: Action Against Hate Coordinator for Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Tiff Lane
Book your free place to receive your Zoom access details here

Thursday 17 November, 10am - 11.30am
Webinar: Working Together to Safeguarding Children and Adults - looking at the priorities of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Safeguarding Partnership Boards
Introduction: In this session, we will discuss the priorities set by the Adults and Children’s Safeguarding Partnership Boards for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. We will also look at learning from local safeguarding case reviews, to highlight tools and messages gleaned from case reviews that can help us to work together to safeguard members of our local communities.
Facilitator: Elizabeth Locke - Trainer
Book your free place to receive your Zoom access details here

Thursday 17 November, 2pm - 3.30pm
Webinar: A Theology of Safeguarding
Introduction: Theology is about how we see the world – our vision and perspective in the light of Jesus Christ. Archdeacon Richard will explore how our practice has changed and yet holds the same intention as our forebears: to treat others as we would be treated by them. We will also explore issues ranging from forgiveness & reconciliation to redress & discipline.
Facilitator: The Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon and Wisbech.
Book your free place to receive your Zoom access details here:

Friday 18 November, 10am - 11.30pm
Webinar: Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults who are potential victims of Modern Slavery and Exploitation
Introduction: Presentation by The Clewer Initiative using film and up to date case studies which will lead to a greater understanding of the church’s interaction with potential victims.
Facilitator: Caroline Virgo, Director, The Clewer Initiative and Helen Styles
Book your free place to receive your Zoom access details here

Friday 18 November, 1pm - 2pm
Webinar: Spiritual Abuse – Responding well
Introduction: A video recording by Dr Lisa Oakley, Associate Professor in Applied Psychology, University of Chester.
The presentation will look at, what is spiritual abuse, what is the impact of the experience and the features of a good response. Safeguarding team present – Lisa, Sarah and Rebecca.
Book your free place to receive your Zoom access details here