Diocese of Plymouth
The Diocese of Plymouth will be hosting a training day at St Boniface House, Ashburton – entitled “Understanding Abuse”, open to anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of all forms of abuse (not limited to church settings) and explore how the Church can offer safe, compassionate, and appropriate pastoral support to survivors.
This day will be particularly aimed at those discerning involvement in the Diocese’s forthcoming Chaplaincy for Survivors project, but it will be open to all—lay and clergy alike—who have an interest in listening well, responding responsibly, and supporting a culture of safeguarding, accountability, and care within the Diocese of Plymouth.
About the Training Day
The Understanding Abuse training day will offer a grounded and accessible introduction to:
- What abuse is, including spiritual, emotional, sexual, and institutional abuse
- The impact of abuse on individuals, faith, and relationships
- Trauma-informed approaches to listening and pastoral accompaniment
- The difference between pastoral presence and professional intervention
- Boundaries, safeguarding, and the limits of a chaplaincy role
The day is designed to be reflective, informative, and rooted in best safeguarding practice. It does not require prior specialist knowledge, only a willingness to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with a difficult but vital subject.
Chaplaincy for Survivors
The Diocese of Plymouth is developing Chaplaincy for Survivors as a pastoral ministry that seeks to offer faith-sensitive, independent, and survivor-centred support. This ministry recognises that survivors’ journeys are complex and that the Church has a responsibility to respond with humility, care, and integrity. This project is truly unique in the Catholic Church in England and Wales, seeking the achieve meaningful change in the way the Church responds to and supports those who have suffered harm
Survivors themselves have played a central role in shaping this project through a diocesan reference panel. One survivor involved in leading the development of Chaplaincy for Survivors reflected:
“This role is a real opportunity to make a huge positive impact on peoples’ lives, and their relationship with God and other people.”
Another survivor of abuse shared why this initiative matters not only pastorally but visibly within the Church’s life:
“Chaplaincy for Survivors is the visible sign of the Catholic Church now standing up to being accountable and a recognised part of a restitution process for survivors within their Church communities. I do not believe this process comes about through online safeguarding courses about procedure but by taking positive steps of action to help those who have suffered, and which are visible to others in the broader community.”
Together, these voices reflect the heart of the project: careful, compassionate accompaniment that supports survivors while also helping the Church to demonstrate accountability, learning, and pastoral responsibility.
Who Is Invited?
- Lay people and clergy
- Those already involved in pastoral ministry or safeguarding
- Anyone interested in learning more about abuse and trauma-informed pastoral care
- Individuals considering expressing interest in volunteering for Chaplaincy for Survivors
Survivors themselves are welcome to attend if they feel comfortable to do so, with the understanding that the day is educational rather than a space for personal disclosure or testimony.
Expressions of Interest
Those who attend the training day will be invited (but not required) to register an expression of interest in volunteering for the Chaplaincy for Survivors project. Any next steps will involve careful discernment, safeguarding checks, further training provided by the Diocese, and appropriate support.
A Shared Responsibility
This training day reflects the Diocese of Plymouth’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding, learning, and creating spaces where survivors are listened to with respect and care. It recognises that understanding abuse is not only a specialist concern but a shared responsibility within the life of the Church.
Further details, including date, venue, and booking information, will be shared shortly. If you would like to know more about the Chaplaincy for Survivors project, please email gemma.wilkes@prcdtr.org.uk to request updates.
All are welcome