SafeHere Training at St Christopher’s: Ensuring a Safe and Welcoming Environment

On Saturday, 15th March 2025, St Christopher’s Anglican Church hosted a SafeHere training session in the Parish Hall, from 9 am to 12:30 pm. The session, which focused on equipping volunteers with the necessary tools to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment, was conducted by Mary Griffiths, the Layperson SafeHere Coordinator of the parish, with support from Rev Dr Deo Vistar, the Clergy SafeHere Coordinator.

The training covered the M1 and M2 modules of the SafeHere programme, which are essential for volunteers who are not team leaders of a group or ministry. The M1 and M2 modules ensure that participants are equipped with the foundational knowledge to help safeguard vulnerable individuals within the church community. 

The training session was attended by six dedicated volunteers: Alan Nicholson, Valerie Nicholson, Helen Hill, Peter Baldwin, Tina Baldwin, and Susanne Dredge. The group actively engaged in the session and demonstrated a commitment to upholding the church’s values of safety and care.

It is important to note that team leaders at St Christopher's, who take on greater responsibilities within ministries, must also complete the additional L1 and L2 modules, further enhancing their ability to foster a secure environment. In addition to this, SafeHere Coordinators, like Deo and Mary, must complete the advanced C1 and C2 modules to ensure they are fully equipped to support the broader training programme.

While the SafeHere programme may appear to be an extensive undertaking, it is a vital part of St Christopher’s commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone who walks through the church doors. The training ensures that all staff and volunteers are prepared to offer a secure environment where individuals can feel valued, supported, and cared for.

“We are deeply grateful for the dedication and commitment of our volunteers,” said Rev Dr Deo Vistar. “The SafeHere training is just one of the ways we equip our church community to support one another, and we are thankful to all who participated in the recent session.”

St Christopher’s Anglican Church is proud of its volunteers and will continue to invest in training that empowers individuals to serve in the safest and most effective ways possible. 

Submitted by Church Staff