A Beautiful Morning Together at the Hope Service
On Monday 29th June, a congregation from across the diocese gathered in the Archbishop’s Palace Gardens, with Southwell Minster in the background, to pause, reflect, and remember those with lived experience of trauma. The service took place in front of the Hope Bench, which has been a place of safety, reflection and support since it was dedicated in 2023.
The service was jointly organised by the diocesan safeguarding team and Southwell Minster. It featured prayer and reflection led by members of the Minster’s clergy: Revd Canon Dr Stephen Evans (Dean of Southwell), Revd Amanda Lees (Canon Missioner) and Revd David McCoulough (Priest Pastor).
Lucy Grimsey, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer for Southwell & Nottingham, also took a few moments to share about the new safeguarding campaign from the Church of England, It’s Not Just Policy, It’s Personal, and Tom Walters – the diocesan Contemporary Worship Lead – led us in sung worship.
Reflecting on the event, Lucy said, “The Hope Service was a truly moving morning and occasion. It was wonderful to see so many people gather on such a beautiful day, united in reflection and commitment, supporting people living with the experience of trauma. The service carried an important message and the opportunity of planting in the gardens and sharing over refreshments was a powerful way of connecting with one another in this vital area of work. It was a privilege to be part of such a meaningful event.”
The beautiful service in the sun was followed by an opportunity to enjoy refreshments together and to plant flowers and shrubs in the palace garden as a symbol of our shared commitment to trauma-informed care within our churches and parish communities. Many people stayed to make their contributions to the Palace Gardens and to encourage one another in the vital safeguarding work being carried out across the diocese.
VISIT THE HOPE BENCH
We invite everyone to visit the Archbishop’s Palace Gardens at Southwell Minster, take a moment to pause at the Hope Bench and enjoy the flowers and shrubs that were planted after the service. We hope and pray that it will continue to be a place of safety, peace and hope in the years to come.
IT’S NOT JUST POLICY, IT’S PERSONAL
The Church of England has produced a range of It’s Not Just Policy, It’s Personal resources which are free for you to read, download and use in your church and parish.
If you need any safeguarding support, or wish to contact the diocesan team with a concern of any kind, we invite you to contact us via our website, emailing safeguarding@southwell.anglican.org, or by calling us on 01636 817200.