09/09/2024
The Safe Spaces England and Wales charity has appointed an independent chair of the board in response to feedback from survivors, to provide strategic direction and accountability to the board.
Safe Spaces, which launched in September 2020, is an independent advocacy and support service for victims and survivors of church-related abuse in the Catholic Church of England and Wales, the Church of England, and the Church in Wales.
Paul Langham has a career covering financial services, data and information technology. Since 2001 he has helped run the family farm, and also worked as a director for leading UK charity Bible Society. He then moved on to Sailors' Society for 9 years to assist the board in responding to matters related to a long closed children's home.
He also helped develop and manage a global software system, Ship Visitor, which is in use by 23 maritime charities serving 1.6m seafarers. Paul has also worked as a consultant for The Merchant Navy Welfare Board and The Mission to Seafarers. Paul has also previously chaired the trade body for the English and Welsh Wine trade (now called WineGB).
An additional expert voice has also been appointed to the board as a trustee: Craig Russo, who has served on the advisory committee for Safe Spaces since it launched in 2020, and who was recently awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Honours list for his outstanding contributions to mental health and society.
After a career in the army with the Royal Engineers, Craig began his work in mental health nursing in 2006, supporting older adults in hospital and in the community. His work led him to establish primary care mental health services in York, serving a population of 250,000; and in Leeds, supporting the setup and management of primary care mental health services and improving access to psychological therapies for the entire city.
Currently, Craig serves as an operational manager for police custody in Humberside, providing support to the most vulnerable and complex individuals in society. Alongside his professional roles, Craig is actively involved in supporting survivors of church-related abuse. He chairs the Diocese of York's survivor group, advocating for safeguarding changes, therapies, and support for survivors. He also received a parliamentary People's Award as Champion of the Year for his dedication to improving the lives of others, and his commitment to advocating for survivors.
Safe Spaces is delivered by the charity First Light, with a dedicated team of six highly trained professionals in place supported by robust systems and processes to manage risks.
The service is available to adults aged 18 or over who have experienced any kind of Church related abuse, including, but not limited to sexual violence, inappropriate sexual behaviour, physical abuse, financial abuse or exploitation, psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour and conversion therapy.
Safe Spaces can be accessed online or by calling 0300 303 1056.