Getting 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.
If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support.
Make a referal for someone else or yourself to Safe Spaces.
Other support services
- NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 to report child abuse.
- Childline: 0800 1111 (calls are free and open 24 hours). Support for children who are worried about anything.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline0808 2000 247
- Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
- Hourglass Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141
- Rape Crisis Helpline
- Modern Slavery
- The Dogs Trust Freedom - support for dog owners finding freedom from domestic abuse
- Make a Change: support for anyone who’s worried about how they’re treating their partner or ex-partner, as well as the family, friends and professionals who want to help them change.
Reporting abuse
If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or is at risk of harm, do not hesitate to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser for advice and support. If a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires medical attention, call the emergency services on 999.
Our Archdeacons are available for safeguarding advice:
The Venerable Catherine Sourbut Groves, Archdeacon of Lindisfarne: lindisfarne@newcastle.anglican.org
The Venerable Rachel Wood, Archdeacon of Northumberland: northumberland@newcastle.anglican.org
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor - vacant
Interim safeguarding contacts
Please direct safeguarding enquiries to the archdeacons:
The Venerable Catherine Sourbut Groves: 07436 220 872 / lindisfarne@newcastle.anglican.org
The Venerable Rachel Wood: 07469 950 198 / northumberland@newcastle.anglican.org
Tara Russell (Children & Youth Team Leader)
T: 07467 563309
E: t.russell@newcastle.anglican.org
Reporting abuse to local authorities
Contact details for local authority statutory services in Newcastle Diocese, for guidance or to report on a safeguarding concern about a vulnerable adult or a child or young person:
- Newcastle: Report suspected adult abuse and neglect
- Newcastle: Report a concern about a child or young person
- Northumberland: Report suspected adult abuse and neglect
- Northumberland: Report a concern about a child or young person
- North Tyneside: Report suspected adult abuse and neglect
- North Tyneside: Report a concern about a child or young person
- Durham: Concerned about someone - report neglect or abuse
- Durham: Report a concern about a child
- Cumbria: Report concerns about adults or a child.
- Domestic Abuse Newcastle Support Directory