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Safeguarding Statement

Last updated: May 2026

We want everyone who comes into contact with the wardens, freelancers or volunteers at The Wellspring to feel safe, valued, and cared for. We believe that every person who visits The Wellspring is made in the image of God and therefore has inherent dignity and worth. We are committed to providing an emotionally and spiritually safe environment for all who visit, work or serve within The Wellspring spaces.

The Wellspring is a retreat venue and we are not, currently, in a position to provide formal pastoral care, in depth prayer ministry or professional counselling. We don’t offer supervision for children or vulnerable adults. On the rare occasions children attend Venue Hires with their parents, they are always the responsibility of their parents. Any vulnerable adults who do attend with carers are, always, the responsibility of their 
designated adults.

Boundaries of responsibility 

To support a safe environment, we establish clear boundaries of responsibility for The Wellspring Wardens, visiting group leaders, Wellspring event leaders and guests:

  • As wardens, we do not take pastoral responsibility for any guests. We are, however, fully present, hospitable, and attentive to guests while they are at The Wellspring.

  • Where agreed in advance, we will willingly support visiting group leaders in their ministry to their groups through leading worship, offering simple prayer support and being available for conversation.

  • Guests are encouraged to share personal matters, insights, or experiences that arise during a Venue Hire with trusted leaders or individuals within their home churches.

  • We ensure that all Wellspring Events are led by trustworthy individuals who are known to us personally: leaders of Wellspring Events will always, to the best of our knowledge, be people of Christian integrity.

  • If prayer ministry is requested by a Wellspring event leader, those with proven experience in prayer ministry, chaplaincy or professional counselling are invited to join the wardens to pray for guests. All those invited are known personally to the wardens and are, as far as we are aware, people of Christian integrity. Prayer support is always offered within the boundaries of this safeguarding statement and is offered in support of 
    the guest, as they request: it is never directional.

  • Guests who are not currently part of a church group are encouraged to seek a faith community in which they feel safe and supported to grow.

Responding to harm or concerning behaviour

We recognise that within faith communities there is the potential for individuals or groups to cause harm, abuse, or exploitation. 

  • If concerning behaviour occurs during a Wellspring event or Venue Hire, we have a responsibility before God and under English law to respond appropriately. 

  •  If there is ever obvious and immediate risk of harm, we will take appropriate action, including reporting concerns to the relevant authorities where required.

Emotional and spiritual wellbeing 

We recognise that none of us are perfect and that, at times, individuals may need to offer or seek forgiveness when mistakes are made. We also acknowledge that differences of opinion and robust discussion are a healthy part of community life.

We recognise that drawing closer to Jesus can sometimes cause feelings of discomfort as the Holy Spirit highlights things within us. If this occurs during a Venue Hire, The Wardens anticipate those with pastoral responsibility for guests will continue any support or care once the Venue Hire has come to an end. If this occurs during a Wellspring event and guests would value further support, the wardens signpost to the 
following organisations:

  • The Guest's home church

  • Christian Prayer Ministries: https://christianprayerministries.uk/

  • LEAF: https://www.leafledbury.com/ (Ledbury based front line Christian service offering: guided listening, professional counselling, friendship 
    groups, Kintsugi Hope https://www.kintsugihope.com/)

  • Lyttleton Well (Malvern based Churches together project offering professional counselling)

Our Ethos

The Wellspring (Ledbury) is a place where the love of God for each person is expressed, and where we seek to live, learn, and grow together in faith. This includes supporting, encouraging, and, at times gently challenging one another as we seek to live lives that glorify God

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