Welcome to the Safeguarding Website for the Diocese of Down and Connor

The practice of safeguarding within the diocese refers to the wide range of services, plans and activities that are put in place to protect both children and adults who may be vulnerable to abuse and neglect from being exploited or harmed.

Safeguarding within our Church community is about making our Church a safe, welcoming and enriching place for children, young people and adults and those who may be at risk of harm. Although the Safeguarding Office may take a lead role in outlining the key aspects of what needs to be in place to protect children and adults from harm, safeguarding is very much a shared community responsibility in which each and every one of us has a part to play, whether that is reporting a concern about a child or adult or by simply volunteering in your parish in any of our safeguarding activities. Read more

Latest News & Events

Day of Prayer and Atonement for Victims and Survivors of Abuse

On behalf of Bishop Alan, could we thank everyone who attended or who tuned into the celebration of mass in Saint Patrick’s on the 7th March 2025  for Victims and Survivors of Abuse within our Church.

“Seeking the Truth “, mandated by the Northern Ireland Executive – Truth Recovery Programme

This programme is a recommendation from the Truth, Acknowledgement , and Accountability Report, which investigated the operations of Mother and Baby Home Institutions , Magdalene Laundries . and Workhouses in Northern Ireland.

Friday 7th March 2025 – Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse – Message from Bishop Alan McGuckian

You are invited to attend this important Diocesan event, in person, or online at ST PATRICK’S CHURCH WEBCAM  

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Safeguarding Office – established 2008