As a parish we have adopted the House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, incorporating the House of Bishop’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance. The poster 'Promoting a Safer Church' is displayed in both church buildings.
The parish of Baxenden St John and Accrington St Paul is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment, received safeguarding training and support.

We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer, PSO.
The current PSO is Heather Pitman - Telephone 07921237592 [email protected]

The Safeguarding Team can be contacted at Clayton House, Walker Office Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE on 01254 503088, [email protected]. These are checked during office hours only.

The Diocese of Blackburn’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services; and also the DSA.

Safeguarding LSCICB (for Lancashire) 0300 373 3600

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor: Cath Smith
Office: 01254 503088 (Claudia Aspey: [email protected])
M: 07711 485170
E: [email protected]

Deputy Safeguarding Advisor: Sophie Booth
M: 07468 971759
E: [email protected]

Finding support

We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
For emergency safeguarding advice, from June 1, 2021 when the DSO is unavailable (due to being on holiday or other absence) you are now able to receive emergency safeguarding cover via thirtyone:eight on their helpline 0303 003 1111.
This helpline is available 5pm to midnight weekdays and at weekends, in addition to holiday periods. The safeguarding helpline is not available between midnight and 7am.

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.

Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.

Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.

Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).

Diocese Information