“Someone that’s there to help me”

This week as the Uniting Church marks its first Child Safe Week, we are reminded of our commitment to keeping children and young people safe.

Two young congregational members have shared their thoughts on what being safe means to them. Kani says it’s about someone there to help him – like his Mum or Nan or Jesus. For Eve, it’s about being listened to by grown-ups.

Kani and Eve share their thoughts in these short videos:

What can you do to help make UCA spaces feel and be safe for children and young people?  

Rev John Cox, National Safe Church Unit Director, says, “Being aware is a great first step. Understanding that safety is about physical, emotional and spiritual safety – it’s how we talk to children and young people, how visible and appropriate their interactions are with adults and others and how we treat children with respect and inclusion."

“It’s being vigilant so we can speak up if anything doesn’t feel right and it’s listening to children and young people. Like Eve says, it’s knowing the adults around her will listen to what she has to say."

“We are invested as a Church to protecting children and young people so they feel and are safe, so they thrive and be healthy. We all have a part to play and our actions together create a culture of safety which moves beyond our Church, into our families and communities.”  

Synods and the National Safe Church Unit have resources and training to support you in living this commitment. Visit your Synod’s website, the National Safe Church Unit website or speak with your Synod Safe Church Lead.

For information about what we are doing as a Church for UCA Child Safe Week, visit this page