Safeguarding

The parish of Blackburn St Stephen is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs: Dawn Gouldthorpe 07966846267 / [email protected]. 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.

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Dawn Gouldthorpe and can be contacted on Mobile: 07966846267
Promoting a Safer Church
St Stephen, Little Harwood, 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
A copy of this, and all the information below can be found here: cofe-policy-statement.pdf (churchofengland.org)
We also display the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church. This is in the entrance hall to Church along with relevant phone numbers and contact details.
All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment and received safeguarding training.
Reporting a concern
If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer(s) (PSO) in the first instance.
Dawn Gouldthorpe
Mobile: 07966846267
Email: [email protected]
The PSO can seek further advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team as necessary.
Concerns can also be raised directly with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team
Safeguarding Team Contact Details
[email protected]
Tel: 01254 503088
Assistant DSA, Sophie Booth
[email protected] 07468971759
DSA, Catherine Smith,
[email protected] 07711485170
Safeguarding Trainer, Andrea Richards
[email protected] 07484073146
Safeguarding Administrator, Claudia Aspey
[email protected] 01254 503088
Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Office Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE
Safeguarding concerns in a school/university/prison/healthcare setting should be raised with the relevant organisation's Safeguarding team.
Finding support
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support.
Contact SafeSpaces
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the church directly. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
Thirty-one: Eight: 0303 003 1111 (out of hours and weekend safeguarding advice)
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).