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Animated explainer video on safeguarding for the Church of England

An animated explainer video for the Church of England. As the video used stories from survivors of abuse, I provided animations to accompany the audio, which was read by actors. The animation describes the importance of survivor participation and codesign, and how victims and survivors can get involved with the work of the Church.

Still from animated explainer video on survivor participation, shown as an illustration explaining what is survivor participation. By Leeds illustrator Vicky Hughes.
Still from animated explainer video on survivor participation, shown as an illustration of why survivor participation is important. By Leeds illustrator Vicky Hughes.
Still from animated explainer video on survivor participation, shown as an illustration of ways to participate. By Leeds illustrator Vicky Hughes.
Still from animated explainer video on survivor participation, shown as an illustration of how to get involved. By Leeds illustrator Vicky Hughes.
Still from animated explainer video on survivor participation, shown as an illustration of two characters discussing, and how to give it a try. By Leeds illustrator Vicky Hughes.

Video Transcript

This video was co-produced by survivors and church officers in 2024.
This video is about Survivor participation in the Church of England.
In the Church of England, victims and survivors are welcome to participate in the safeguarding work of the church.

We understand that the words victim and Survivor are labels - we only use them to refer to any individual who has been subject to any form of abuse.

Survivor participation is when victims and survivors, are joining the efforts of making safeguarding changes in the church making everything that is possible to keep everyone safe and there are different ways of participation such as consultation, engagement, co-design and co-production.

Survivors can engage in a number of ways with the church through surveys sitting on interview panels, reviewing documents and policies attending in groups forums. There are many different ways, all equally is important.

I know how other victims and survivors feel, what they've endured.

I really value engaging with the church because my voice is being heard, I am being listened to and I am making a difference.

So our expertise is the experiences we've been through and how we can see where practical change needs to happen.

I'm absolutely convinced the church has got so much to learn. I think the voice of survivors is unique, and I think it's entirely Christian to have that voice as well.

I don't want what happened to me to happen to anyone else and by speaking up we can regain some control. When we're listened to we can take part in bringing about change.

If you are thinking about getting involved or just want to know a little more, go to our website and sign up for our newsletter.

The newsletter comes out every month and has news and updates, and opportunities to engage in a few different ways. If you say yes, I'd like to be involved, we have a conversation with you, learn a bit about you and you can learn about us, and we can make sure that we know how to look after you so that throughout your engagement to the best of our ability and your ability, you stay safe.

I enjoy the one-to-one contact at the beginning of any engagement, so that we can discuss what the expectations are both of the church and of myself, so I can fully understand what it what's going to take place, and so any Survivor out there that would be thinking about engaging, I would say do it, try it, you're not locked in, you could opt out when you want to, give it a try.

If you want further information about Survivor participation please email engage.safeguardingatchurchofengland.org or visit this Church of England's web page churchofengland.org/safeguarding/survivor-participation.

With thanks to all those who collaborated and supported the making of this video.