About Safeguarding Sunday

Safeguarding Sunday is an annual awareness campaign led by Thirtyone:eight, the UK’s leading Christian, independent safeguarding charity. On 15 November 2026, churches across the UK will once again come together to reflect and take action to build safer communities.

Now in its 8th year, Safeguarding Sunday continues to unite churches of every tradition. Last year, over 5,400 churches took part — demonstrating a shared commitment to caring for and protecting those in our care.

This year, our theme is Love Protects, rooted in the well known passage from 1 Corinthians 13, which reminds us that “love always protects.” Safeguarding isn’t bureaucracy. It isn’t a distraction from ministry. It is ministry — a Christian act of love in action.

"Only a couple of weeks ago, a returning visitor thanked us because last years service empowered them to make a disclosure and now they have started the a journey of healing which, without the service they might not have done. The day helps to make sure everyone understands we all have a role and responsibility to make our church a safe place for all."

- Safeguarding Sunday Participant

Why is Safeguarding Sunday needed?

Churches play a vital role in supporting individuals, families, and community groups. Yet history has shown that when safeguarding fails, the consequences can be devastating. High profile reports, including the work of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) 2022, have highlighted abuse within multiple church contexts and the urgent need for culture change.

At the same time, churches across the UK are doing significant, often unseen work to make their communities safer. Safeguarding Sunday is a chance to:

  • acknowledge and celebrate positive safeguarding practice.
  • be honest about past failures and commit to doing better.
  • raise awareness so everyone knows how to speak up or seek help.
  • honour and encourage those involved in safeguarding roles.
  • rebuild trust with congregations and communities.

The vision for Safeguarding Sunday

We want every church in the UK to demonstrate a living, active commitment to safeguarding — not as a tick box exercise, but as a practical expression of Christian love. A love that protects. Always. 

Safeguarding Sunday helps churches:

  • communicate the importance of safeguarding and why it matters.
  • show the steps they’re taking to protect people.
  • highlight who to talk to and how to get help.
  • celebrate the dedication of those who quietly work behind the scenes to keep people safe.

Safeguarding Sunday is an opportunity to show your congregation and community that safeguarding isn’t just something your church does — it’s an expression of who you are, and the God you follow.

Find out more about this year's theme - Love Protects.

What’s New This Year?

Every year, we get thousands of churches, from a variety of backgrounds and traditions taking part. Feedback from participants shows us that while our resources are appreciated, increasingly, what is right for one denomination is not right for another. We have always sought to reach a middle ground with our resources, and despite always encouraging churches to adapt the resources for their own context, the requests for context-specific resources are on the rise, and as a small charity, we cannot accommodate everyone’s requests.

Therefore, this year we are taking a new approach to resources. Instead of releasing a suite of new resources, we are providing one complete, easy to use guide to help your church shape Safeguarding Sunday in ways that feel natural and meaningful where you are.
The guide is packed with ideas, reflections, and practical suggestions suitable for any context. Whether you’re planning a dedicated service or a short moment within your gathering, you can choose what works for you.

Make it your own

We want churches to feel free and empowered to create something that genuinely reflects their community. You know your people best!
Use the guide as a springboard. Adapt language. Rework activities. Create new elements entirely. Your church context matters — and Safeguarding Sunday should reflect that.

Previous resources are still available

We’re making past years’ materials available in the resource library as optional inspiration. Feel free to use or reshape them in whatever way best serves your church.

Get Involved!

From July 2026 you will be able to register to receive the free Guide to Safeguarding Sunday — filled with inspiration for shaping your service a way that fits your setting. You’ll also get access to previous resources that might be helpful.

"This is the 3rd year we have participated, and I have found that people are definitely taking safeguarding seriously and raising concerns and seeking advice when they are unsure about something."

- Safeguarding Sunday Participant

Get Updates!

Sign up to the Thirtyone:eight mailing list to be the first to hear when Safeguarding Sunday registration opens. 

You'll also get monthly safeguarding updates.