Luton LOUDfence
Saturday, 7th June 2025Countdown until Luton LOUDfence
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
About Luton LouDfence
Hope for Survivors
A journey towards healing where there has been pain
In support of the National Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse, the Catholic Diocese of Northampton in conjunction with Churches Together, is holding an event at the Holy Family Church, 24 Freshwater Close, Luton, LU3 3TA on Saturday 7th June. We know that harm and abuse impacts many people, in various way, creating ripple effects, which can often be long lasting. LOUDfence is a survivor-led initiative that enables us to make our voices and compassion visible by tying colourful ribbons and messages in a display of support and solidarity with those affected by abuse.
The ‘Luton LOUDfence – Hope for Survivors’ event will create a safe space for survivors to share their stories and find spiritual and emotional healing. We will offer pastoral care, prayer, and support to those in need. This event will provide us with an opportunity to reinforce the message that God’s love extends to all those who have suffered abuse.
The Jubilee Year 2025 is a time of renewal, healing, and hope. Just as the Church embraces God’s mercy and a new beginning, we stand with survivors of abuse—acknowledging their pain, seeking justice, and committing to a future of healing, as pilgrims for hope.
If you are unable to be with us on the day and would like a ribbon or message to be added to the Loudfence on your behalf fill out the information below
We welcome to the event
Dave Middlebrook
Archdeacon of Bedford
David Oakley
Bishop of Northampton
Everyone is welcome, please come and join us in a positive way to make your voice and compassion known
Luton parishes are being asked to create and build their own mini LOUDfences to which ribbons and messages of support can be added.
The mini LOUDfences will then come together to form a main LOUDfence at this event on 7 June at Holy Family Church, which will serve as a visual display connecting all the Luton parishes together.
Everyone is welcome to join our event which seeks to provide an opportunity for people to gather collectively in support of those who have been impacted by any form of abuse. Please come along and tie a ribbon and join in the activities to make your voice and compassion visible.
A mixed team of lay and clergy volunteer listeners and welcomers wearing orange badges, will be available on the day, as well as the Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator should anyone wish to talk
Programme of events
10:00 - Pilgrimage of hope
We will gather at St Joseph’s Church, Gardenia Avenue and journeying together from to Holy Family Church
11:00 - Service of Hope
At Holy Family including Bishop David Oakley and Anglican Archdeacon of Bedford, Dave Middlebrook
12:00 - Our main LOUDfence will be built
Luton parishes are being asked to create and build their own mini LOUDfences to which ribbons and
messages of support can be added. The mini LOUDfences will then come together to form a main LOUDfence
12:00 - Loudfence crafting workshop
Join us for a LOUDfence workshop which shares practical ways to acknowledge the harm caused by abuse through arts and crafts. The workshop will be available from 12pm onwards. Those wishing to make a personalised message can bring paper, fabric, ribbons or small objects which remind you of comforting memories.
12:30 - Buffet Lunch
Buffet lunch with time for conversations and a listening ear.
13:30 - Join the Conversation. Walking together with hope and compassion
Please join in the conversation! We will be giving an overview of the support given to anyone affected by abuse in the diocese. This includes immediate confidential support by the Bishop and Danielle Dixon (the diocesan safeguarding officer) and further ongoing help and accompaniment in the future. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions for other ways in which the diocese can offer additional help.
15:00 - Close with Prayer
We end our time together with prayers for all.
Support Signposting – Help & support is available from many organisations:
MACSAS: Supports those who were abused as a child or adult by a clergyperson, minister, pastor, church leader, religious or religious sister 08088 01 03 40 / www.macsas.org.uk
NAPAC: Offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse 0808 801 0331 / https://napac.org.uk/
Replenished Life: Independent charity supporting those who have experienced abuse and trauma within faith https://www.replenished.life/
Samaritans: Charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. Call 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org web: https://www.samaritans.org/
Survivors Voices: Survivor led organisation that works to improve responses to abuse and trauma https://survivorsvoices.org/
SurvivorsUK: Supports men, boys, and non-binary people aged 13+ who have experienced sexual violence 02035983898 / https://www.survivorsuk.org/ email: help@survivorsuk.org
The Survivors Trust: Umbrella organisation supporting specialist services for survivors of rape, sexual violence and sexual abuse 08088 010818 / https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/
Safe Spaces: Independent support service, providing a confidential and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church. Helpline 0300 303 1056. Email safespaces@firstlight.org.uk web: https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/
Respond: Provides therapy and specialist support services to people with learning disabilities and autism who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma. Call 020 7383 0700 or admin@respond.org.uk web: https://respond.org.uk/
NSPCC: charity campaigning and working in child protection. Email help@NSPCC.org.uk or helpline available, call 0808 800 5000. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
Into the Light: Support for people who have been sexually abused and their supporters. Offers support, counselling, information and resource. email info@intothelight.org.uk web: https://www.intothelight.org.uk/
Grief to Grace: Specialised programme of spiritual and psychological healing for anyone who has suffered sexual, physical, emotional or spiritual abuse in childhood, adolescence or adulthood, including those who are the victims of abuse by a member of the clergy. Call 020 8154 2719 or email info@grieftograceuk.org web: https://www.grieftograceuk.org/
Catholic Survivors: Formed by survivors enabling people to network informally. Contact using survivors.rc.abuse.england@gmail.com
Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse): Specialist organisation focusing exclusively on issues relating to the abuse of older people 0808 808 8141 / www.wearehourglass.org
