As part of their commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for all, St Wilfrid’s Church in Kibworth Beauchamp recently held a special Safeguarding Service, reflecting on the importance of protecting the vulnerable in their church and community.
A poignant “Souls of Our Shoes” display in the church, featuring pairs of shoes representing the experiences of those affected by domestic abuse, offered a powerful visual reminder of the impact of such abuse, honouring those affected and encouraging all to stand together in compassion and awareness.
The display, which encouraged people to stop and consider walking in someone else's shoes, also included teardrop shapes on coloured card which caught the interest of visitors who, by turning them over, could read bullet points about various types of abuse - some of which are often hidden from common view.
Theresa Jackson, Associate Minister at St Wilfrid’s, said: “The items helped us to reflect on actual people and the comments they made.
“It also depicted the diversity of children, adults, circumstances and locations in which abuse occurs,” she explained.
“The service and display helped make Sunday a meaningful moment of reflection and hope.”
Safeguarding Sunday officially falls in November, but Safeguarding in our church communities is a conversation worth continuing throughout the year.
By raising awareness and keeping these discussions open, we create a culture where everyone feels valued and protected.
Together, we can make our churches and communities safe places of trust and hope every day.
See our website safeguarding pages for more information, including support for victims and survivors.