CARLISLE Cathedral is currently in the latter stages of a special installation in the building to support survivors of sexual abuse.

The Cathedral will be installing a LOUDfence on its grounds from November 1 until November 3, All Survivors' Day, with people being invited to tie ribbons to the fence to support the victims.

The fence is being installed as part of a Safeguarding Season developed by Cathedral chapter members, diocesan officers and representatives of the survivors.

Antonia Sobocki, who organized the UK’s first LOUDfence event at St Peter’s, Kirkbampton, in 2020, and who is a member of the Safeguarding Season working party, said: "I recently posted pictures of the Carlisle LOUDfence page and my Twitter and Facebook pages went crazy.

"I have ribbon requests from all around the world. The founders of LOUDfence contacted me to send their support and have asked me to tie ribbons on their behalf.

"I have spent the week compiling lists of ribbon and message requests from Twitter and Facebook."

"I’m so pleased that people will have this very visible public display through which they can support and draw alongside those people affected by abuse.

"Our message will be as strong as ever: we believe you, we hear you and we will do all we can to stop this from ever happening again."

The fence will be officially launched with a ceremony at 11am on November 1 and the installation will run for 20 yards on the south side of the Cathedral.

People will have the opportunity to stop, reflect and pray for the survivors of sexual abuse.

The Rev Canon Dr Benjamin Carter, Canon Warden at the Cathedral and its lead for safeguarding has led the working group in developing the Safeguarding Season.

Mr Carter said: "Our Safeguarding Season is based around three key themes: the need for the Church to lament, to listen and to learn from survivors of abuse.

"The LOUDfence installation offers a wonderful way in which this can be achieved and it complements beautifully all the other safeguarding themed services and prayer stations that are offered up as part of the season."

There will also be weekly Eucharist services focusing and themes of truth and justice with a dedicated place of prayer in a side chapel.

Anyone affected by issues raised above is encouraged to contact Safe Spaces, an independent service supporting survivors of church-related abuse.