SAFEGUARDING. 

Promoting A Safer Church

As a church community, we are committed to:

  • The care, nurture of and respectful pastoral ministry with all children and adults.

  • The safeguarding and protection of all children and adults.

  • The establishment of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment, where there is a culture of ‘Informed vigilance’ regarding the dangers of abuse, which: 

 For children and young people

  • values them for who they are, and nurtures their positive development 

  • enables them to participate fully and contribute to their church community 

  • protects them from actual or potential harm 

 For adults who may be vulnerable, including those suffering domestic abuse

  • ensures that all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse.
    encourages those who may be vulnerable.

  • to lead as independent a life as possible, 

  • to choose how to lead their life, and

  • to be active contributors to the church community 

  • protects those who may be vulnerable from actual or potential harm 

 For all people 

· enables and encourages concerns to be raised and responded to openly and consistently 

· offers support and care for those suffering, or who have suffered, from any form of abuse 

· promotes respect, and the value of each person as a child of God 

We are therefore committed to best practice according to the national policies and guidelines of the Church of England, in the protection of children and vulnerable people; in the recruitment, training and supervision of all who exercise a pastoral ministry; and in responding to any allegations or complaints. This policy is reviewed each year by the Parochial Church Council and re-affirmed at the Annual Meeting.

If You Are Concerned

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Advisor or if necessary report to the Local Authority.

Helplines

  • Family Lives: 0808 800 2222
     

  • National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
     

  • Action On Elder Abuse: 080 8808 8141
     

  • NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
     

  • Childline: 0800 1111
     

  • Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900
     

  • NAPAC: 0808 801 0331
     

  • Samaritans: 116 123

​

If there is an immediate risk or danger please contact the police on 101.


"The Diocese of Manchester partners with thirtyone:eight in relation to Disclosure (i.e. DBS) services and accessing their safeguarding Helpline when required. For DBS related queries, please contact them on 0303 003 1111 option 1.

In the event of the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser being unavailable due to being on holiday or other absence, you will be advised to contact thirtyone:eight for safeguarding advice on 0303 003 1111. This also includes any emergency safeguarding queries outside of office hours on weekdays and weekends. An Information Sharing Agreement between the two organisations will allow fhe Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to receive a copy of the advice thirtyone:eight may offer the parish church/caller.

The Diocese of Manchester also uses thirtyone:eight as its approved Listening Service provider, supporting anyone impacted by abuse. Should you be interested in this service, please contact he Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser in the first instance and we will offer you more information. You can read more about thirtyone:eight's Listening service here: https://thirtyoneeight.org/media/2392/listening-service-leaflet.pdf