This year’s theme, “Every Conversation Matters, Shifting Conversation to Action” reminds us that conversations about the safety and wellbeing of children are important, but meaningful change occurs when those conversations lead to actions.

National Child Protection Week is an opportunity for all of us across the Diocese to reflect on the role we play in creating environments where children are safe, supported, valued, and heard.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility! Sometimes meaningful action can be as simple as checking in with a family, being a positive role model, listening when a child speaks, supporting parents and carers, or speaking up when something does not feel safe. Importantly, we must ensure children have opportunities to express their views and that their voices are genuinely considered in decisions that affect them.

Throughout National Child Protection Week, we encourage everyone across the Diocese to consider how we can move from awareness to action and contribute to stronger, safer, and more supportive communities.

You can get involved by participating in Decorate Your Space. Catholic Schools, St Nicholas, CatholicCare, and Parishes are invited to decorate a visible space in a way that creatively reflects your commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children as well as reflecting this years theme, “Every Conversation Matters, Shifting Conversation to Action”.

The Diocese has an ongoing commitment to promoting the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children. National Child Protection Week provides an important opportunity to renew that commitment and recognise that safeguarding does not belong to one person, we all have a part to play.