Support for Survivors

You will be listened to.

We recognise the courage it can take to speak about abuse. Whether your experience happened recently or many years ago, you will be treated with dignity, respect and compassion. You can contact us to seek support, share your experiences, ask questions, or explore your options at a pace that feels right for you.

When You Contact Us

We understand that contacting us may feel difficult, particularly if you have never spoken about your experiences before. You are welcome to contact us whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago.

When you contact the Safeguarding Office:

You will be treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
You will be listened to without judgement.
You will be able to share as much or as little information as you feel comfortable sharing.
You will remain in control of what you choose to tell us.
We will explain available options and answer any questions you may have.
You may take time to consider your next steps and you will not be pressured into making decisions.

What Happens Next?

After you make contact, a member of the Safeguarding Team will respond and discuss how we can best support you.

Our first priority is to listen and understand what support you may need.

Depending on your wishes and circumstances, we may:

Provide information about available support services.
Help you access independent counselling or specialist support.
Explain safeguarding and reporting processes.
Support you if you wish to report your experience to the police or other agencies.
Discuss any concerns you have about current risks to others.

We recognise that every person's experience is different, and we will seek to respond in a way that meets your individual needs.

Your Choices Matter

You are not required to make a formal complaint in order to contact us.

Some people contact us because they want to share their experiences and be heard. Others may want information, support, or advice about reporting abuse. Whatever your reason for contacting us, we will respect your choices and explain what options are available.

We recognise that survivors are experts in their own experiences and we will seek to work alongside you in a way that feels safe and supportive.

Independent Support

We understand that some individuals may prefer to speak to an independent organisation rather than directly to Caldey Abbey.

SAFE SPACES is an independent and confidential support service for adults who have experienced abuse within a Church context. They can provide emotional support and help you consider your options in a confidential setting.

You do not need to contact Caldey Abbey in order to receive support from SAFE SPACES. Safe Spaces - England and Wales - Safe Spaces England and Wales

Confidentiality

We will treat the information you share with sensitivity and respect.

Whenever possible, we will explain how information will be used and who it may need to be shared with. There may be circumstances where we have a safeguarding duty to share information to protect children, adults at risk, or others from harm. If this becomes necessary, we will seek to explain this to you.

Immediate Help

If you are in immediate danger or need urgent assistance, please call 999.

If you wish to report a crime, you may contact Dyfed-Powys Police directly.

If you need emotional support, independent support organisations such as SAFE SPACES can provide confidential assistance.

Our Commitment to Survivors

Caldey Abbey is committed to listening to survivors, responding with compassion, and learning from lived experience. We recognise the profound impact that abuse can have on individuals, families and communities.

We are committed to placing the voices of survivors at the centre of our safeguarding work and to fostering a culture of openness, accountability and continuous learning.

Contact Details

Allison Parkinson - Safeguarding Lead - allison@caldey-island.co.uk

Tim Hartley - Island Manager - tim@caldey-island.co.uk

Penny Bradbury - Business Support - penny@caldey-island.co.uk

Independent Support and Advice

Finding the right support is a personal choice.

Different people find different types of support helpful. The organisations below offer a range of independent services including emotional support, practical advice, therapeutic services, advocacy and information. You are free to choose the support that feels right for you and your circumstances.

SAFE SPACES

Independent and confidential support for survivors of abuse within a Church context. Safe Spaces - England and Wales - Safe Spaces England and Wales

Live Fear Free / Welsh Women's Aid

Support, advice and safety planning for women and children experiencing abuse, violence or coercive behaviour. [gov.wales]‍ ‍[welshwomen...aid.org.uk]

NSPCC Wales

Support for children, young people, families and adults concerned about a child's welfare.

Help for adults concerned about a child
Call us on 0808 800 5000
Help for children and young people
Call Childline on 0800 1111

Victim Support

Practical and emotional support for anyone affected by crime, whether or not the matter has been reported to the police. https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

SurvivorsUK

Specialist support for men, boys and non-binary people who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual violence. SurvivorsUK | We challenge the silence to support sexually abused men