Westminster: Parish Safeguarding Representatives Conference

Image: Diocese of Westminster

Source: Westminster Diocese

On Saturday 11 October the Diocese of Westminster's 2025 PSR Conference was held at Cathedral Hall, bringing together expertise and knowledge to explore response and support within parishes for those impacted by abuse. With over 70 volunteer attendees from across the Diocese, the event fostered dynamic discussions, highlighted best practice, and sparked new collaborations across deaneries and neighbouring parishes.

The conference was opened by Cardinal Vincent Nichols with an address that captivated the audience, setting an inspiring tone for the day ahead and igniting meaningful dialogue about hope and healing. The Cardinal thanked the hard work and efforts of volunteers who bring immense contribution to parish life.

The conference explored key themes in safeguarding such as:

- Promotion and prevention strategies to support good mental health responses in our church communities.
- Survivor focused services for those experiencing domestic abuse, sexual abuse and spiritual abuse within the framework of trauma informed approach.
- Sharing good practice and improving opportunities for positive impact.

There were thought-provoking keynote addresses from Antonia Sobocki the founder and Principal Director of LOUDfence UK and Nikki Dhillon-Keane, founder of Safe in Faith, a service of Caritas Westminster addressing domestic abuse and gender-based violence in the Catholic Church placed victims/survivors/those impacted by abuse at the heart of safeguarding practice.

"We are thrilled by the attendance, insight and ideas that emerged from this year's conference" said Catherine Edginton, Head of Safeguarding.

One PSR commented "it was an excellent conference probably one of the best I have attended ever."

The Cardinal said in his opening address: "We are so thankful for the important role our volunteer PSRs have in their parish to promote a culture of safeguarding and we look forward to providing further events in the near future."
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