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Safeguarding Events

Find out about events related to Safeguarding happening across our diocese.

Upcoming Events

Event	Date	Time	Day	Venue	Link to Registration
Parish Networking Session - Winter	11.02.2026	19:00 – 20:30	Wednesday	Zoom	Click Here - Winter
Parish Networking Session - Spring	14.05.2026	19:00 – 20:30	Thursday	Zoom	Click Here - Spring
Parish Networking Session – Summer	15.07.2026	19:00 – 20:30	Wednesday	Zoom	Click Here - Summer
Parish Networking Session - Autumn	08.10.2026	19:00 – 20:30	Thursday	Zoom	Click Here - Autumn

Upcoming Events

Safeguarding Conference 2026

The Diocesan Safeguarding Teams from both Canterbury and Rochester are hosting their Annual Safeguarding Conference on Saturday 24 January 2026 from 9.00am to 12.30pm, on Zoom.

This year Dr Claire Yates is presenting her session on "We See You", exploring how our worshipping communities engage with young people on the issues around safeguarding and truly listen to them regarding their experiences and empower them in our contexts.

A member of the Kent Prevent team will speak on issues of radicalisation, particularly in regards to young people and faith. Finally our Regional Safeguarding Lead, Lucy McAuley will be joining us to update on topics from the National Safeguarding Team.

Book your place (Zoom details will be sent to booked in delegates the day before the conference.)

Past Events

Season of Saefguarding 2025

Season of Safeguarding 2025 | 16 – 23 November

In collaboration with Canterbury Cathedral, this week brings together parishes across our diocese for focused reflection, prayer, and safeguarding activities.

Safeguarding Sunday – Launch

Sunday 16 November 2025

A joint launch across parishes and the Cathedral. Parishes are encouraged to us Thirtyone:eight Safeguarding Sunday Resources and preach a themed sermon.

Ongoing prayer for safeguarding

Sunnday 16 – Sunday 23 November

Holy Innocents Chapel at Canterbury Cathedral will be set aside as a prayer space all week. Parishes are encouraged to create equivalent local prayer spaces and use the Diocesan Prayer Calendar for safeguarding-focused prayers.

Online Webinar – ‘What matters to victims and survivors and their relationship with the Church; A personal account and reflection’

Tuesday 18 November | 7pm – 8pm (online)

An online session led by Ioannis (Yannis) Athanasiou, the National Safeguarding Team's Survivor Engagement Lead, exploring survivors' perspectives and how the Church should respond.

Book onto the webinar.

Holy Communion at Canterbury Cathedral – Peace & Justice

Wednesday 19 November

A Cathedral Holy Communion service dedicated to peace and justice. Parishes are encouraged to explore the themes of peace and justice in their own services.

Child Safety Focus

Friday 21 – Sunday 23 November

Resources and child-centred materials will be provided soon to help parishes communicate age-appropriate safeguarding messages to children and young people.

Service of Lament at Canterbury Cathedral

Sunday 23 November

A Service of Lament focusing on the harm caused by failures in safeguarding. The Cathedral will hold an Evensong Lament in the Quire. Parishes are invited to hold local lament services or come to the Cathedral Evensong.

How to take part

Everyone is invited to contribute to the Season of Safeguarding, either by attending Cathedral events or running parallel activities in your own parish. Ideas of how you can participate:

Create a local prayer space and provide prayer materials.
Use the Diocesan Prayer Calendar and Thirtyone:eight Safeguarding Sunday Resources.
Hold themed services, a Service of Lament, or a child-safety session (Resources for this will be provided soon).

Attend the online webinar (18 Nov)

Share what you're doing!

Please let us know what your parish is planning so we can support you. Check the Cathedral website for event listings and updates.

Safeguarding note

The Season of Safeguarding puts survivors and vulnerable people first. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

Safeguarding Conference 2024

The Dioceses of Canterbury and Rochester jointly hosted the 2024 Annual Safeguarding Conference on 20 January 2024. The conference included:

Opening Address: Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover
Protection Against Stalking: Stalking and Church Contexts
Church of England National Safeguarding Team: Julie O’Hara, Deputy Directory - Development
Mountain Healthcare Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC): Support offered to victims
Closing Remarks: Andy Wooding Jones, the Archdeacon of Rochester

Safeguarding Conference 2023

The Dioceses of Canterbury and Rochester jointly hosted the Annual Safeguarding Conference on 21 January 2023. The conference included:

Opening Address: Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover
The Role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): Maisie Adkins, LADO Team Manager for Medway
'What science might tell us about trauma’: Professor David Shemmings
Closing Remarks: Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs, the Bishop of Rochester

Page last updated: Wednesday 28th January 2026 8:58 AM