You may have seen recent statements from the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team and the Diocese of St Albans who are working together looking into allegations made against the Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi who has stepped back from his ministry with the Soul Survivor charity.
The Church of England have given several contacts for people affected by the investigation to contact: Jeremy Hirst at the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org or the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org
Soul Survivor’s statement can be found here: https://www.soulsurvivorwatford.co.uk/latestupdates
The Methodist Church recognises that this news may cause upset for some people and has a dedicated safeguarding professional who is available to support during this difficult time. She can also be contacted if you wish to report abuse of any kind whether it happened recently or a long time ago. Please contact Kate Little, Safeguarding Casework Supervisor and lead for the Methodist Church’s response to survivors of abuse – littlek@methodistchurch.org.uk
Here is a list of organisations that may also be helpful: The Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org.
Premier Lifeline https://www.premierlifeline.org.uk is available by phone on 0300 111 0101 - 9am to 5pm Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays).
Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK, to text with a trained volunteer at https://giveusashout.org.
Safe Spaces (https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk) is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities in order to receive their support. Contact them at 0300 303 1056 (09:00-21:00 Monday to Friday) or email safespaces@firstlight.org.uk
NAPAC (The National Association for People Abused in Childhood, https://napac.org.uk) offers support to those recovering from childhood abuse. Call 0808 801 0331 (Mon-Thurs 10am-9pm; Friday 10am-6pm or email support@napac.org.uk
Or please do contact our District Safeguarding Officer, Jane Fisher with any queries or concerns