Safeguarding in our Benefice

The Orwell and Deben Rural Benefice is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies. Each parish in the benefice has its own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). 

The Diocese of St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s Safeguarding pages also contain links and information for those who may need help, they include contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advises our PSO's. 

If however you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at urgent risk of harm you should contact the police on 999. 

Parish church contacts available to speak to if you have any non-urgent concerns:
Mrs Mary Ligett Nacton Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) Tel: 01473 659 837
Revd. Nicholas Williams Rector Tel: 01473 948 584
Mrs Margaret Angus Levington PSO Tel: 01473 659 249
Mrs Maxine Green Newbourne PSO Tel: 01473 736 558
Mrs Cathy Couchman Waldringfield PSO Tel: 07944 945 743
Mrs Anne Clarke Kirton PSO Tel: 01384 448 202
Mrs Amanda Ronan Hemley PSO Tel: 01473 736 735
Ms Mary Spencer Falkenham PSO Tel: 01394 448 259
Mrs Christine Bickers Bucklesham PSO Tel: 01473 659 412

The St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan Safeguarding Officer Karen Galloway is available 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday - Friday and can be reached via email on [email protected] or by calling on 07785 621319

Follow this link if you need advice about any non-urgent safeguarding concern, it will take you to a list of internal and external organisations who may also be able to help you. 

If you have a non-urgent concern about a child who may be at risk of harm, abuse or neglect and would prefer not to speak to the Rector or one of our PSO's you can report it by following this link If you have a non-urgent concern about an adult who may be at risk of harm, abuse or neglect and would prefer not to speak to the Rector or one of our PSO's you can report it by following this link 

if you are a young person and want to talk to someone outside the church you can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or for further information visit https://www.childline.org.uk 

Remember if you feel the risk of harm, abuse or neglect is urgent you should contact the police via 999