Latest News All invited to take part in a LOUDfence at St Chad's Cathedral St Chad’s Cathedral is hosting a LOUDfence from Sunday 7 May and all have the opportunity to take part either in person or virtually. A LOUDfence involves tying LOUD (brightly coloured) ribbons and messages of support in public spaces. The aim is to give survivors a voice, create and raise awareness in the community and work to end abuse. Visitors will be invited to tie ribbons and messages on the outside railings between the entrance to Cathedral House and the book shop, as well as just inside the cathedral in the Bell Chamber. For those who cannot attend in person you can contribute a virtual ribbon and/or message of support A programme of events to accompany the LOUDfence is outlined below and it has also been confirmed Mass will be said at the Vatican for the Archdiocese of Birmingham and the LOUDfence on Sunday 7 May. As part of the event the Diocesan Safeguarding Team will be running a ‘Safeguarding in Action’ event in the Grimshaw Room. We appreciate not everyone will want to go inside the cathedral, and so the Grimshaw Room is an alternative place for quiet reflection and a cuppa. The LOUDfence at St Chad’s is being supported by Antonia Sobocki, the UK Project Manager for LOUDfence UK, friends at St Philip’s Cathedral in Birmingham and the Survivor Engagement Panel which works closely with the Safeguarding Team. LOUDfence is a survivor-led initiative and is rapidly gaining international attention. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the St Chad’s LOUDfence. Contribute a virtual ribbon and/or message of support Main photograph: St Peter's Parish Church, Kirkbampton, Cumbria where the LOUDfence healing and reconciliation movement began in 2020. Programme (to date) Sunday 7 May – Mass at 11.30am, St Chad’s Cathedral LOUDfence launch with delegates. ‘Safeguarding In Action’ in the Grimshaw Room all week. Transformation Angels creative project – with kind permission of artist Sarah Troughton and the Diocese of Newcastle. Meet and greet in Grimshaw Room. Monday 8 May (Paused for the Bank Holiday) Tuesday 9 May LOUDfence. Mass at 12.15pm at St Chad’s Cathedral, marking the National Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse LOUDfence. ‘Safeguarding In Action’ in the Grimshaw Room. Transformation Angels creative project. Quiet reflection space. Complimentary tea and coffee available. Wednesday 10 May LOUDfence. Daily Mass, St Chad’s Cathedral at 12.15pm. ‘Safeguarding In Action’ in the Grimshaw Room. Transformation Angels creative project. Quiet reflection space. Complimentary tea and coffee available. Thursday 11 May LOUDfence. Daily Mass, St Chad’s Cathedral at 12.15pm. ‘Safeguarding In Action’ in the Grimshaw Room. Displays from survivor support agencies including Safe Spaces. Transformation Angels creative project. Mindfulness craft workshop with Cal Thomas. Cal describes herself as a proud brummie who loves to create and craft. Previous work includes a commission for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Cal made and donated the machine embroidered LOUDfence banner displayed in the cathedral’s Bell Chamber and has offered to teach machine embroidery and crochet beginner skills. Quiet reflection space. Complimentary tea and coffee available. Friday 12 May LOUDfence. Daily Mass, St Chad’s Cathedral at 12.15pm. ‘Safeguarding In Action’ in the Grimshaw Room. Transformation Angels creative project. Mindfulness craft workshop with Cal Thomas. Quiet reflection space. Complimentary tea and coffee available. Saturday 13 May LOUDfence. ‘Safeguarding In Action’ in the Grimshaw Room. Transformation Angels creative project. Quiet reflection space. Complimentary tea and coffee available. LOUDfence concludes with the Saturday 4.30pm Vigil Mass. Manage Cookie Preferences