Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of every one of us. It is central to our mission and ministry and is integral in the Blackburn Diocesan Vision which asks us to consider how to make our church communities healthier’
Our parish of Bretherton: St John the Baptist is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Blackburn’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO.
If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO [currently the Rector is Acting as safeguarding Officer] or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor [Cath Smith tel: 07711485170, email: [email protected]]

Additional Support:
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Here are details for other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

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).

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