Here at St Peter and St Paul's, we celebrate that we are united as God's family through our common faith in Jesus Christ, we are brothers and sisters in the Lord! As with any family, we are made up of young and old, coming from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are a Church that welcomes all and celebrates all members as part of our community. Safeguarding is therefore a priority, especially for the young and vulnerable adults. We follow all Diocesan Safeguarding policies and our leaders are DBS checked and complete safeguarding training, and updates. Copies of our policies are available below, in church and contact details for our Safeguarding Officer are below. You can also contact our parish priest, Fr Eddie, via email from this site.
Reporting a concern
Any safeguarding concerns within the context of our church life and community should be brought to the attention of our local Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) in the first instance, who can seek further advice from Cath Smith, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA), as necessary.
Contacts
Parish Safeguarding Officer for Rishton, St Peter and St Paul
Julie Anderson 07759899193
Confidential email for parish matters- [email protected]
St Peter & St Paul's Church has 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 GuidanceA 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 concernIf you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer(s) (PSO) in the first instance.
Julie Anderson 07759899193
Confidential email for parish matters- [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 503088Assistant DSA, Sophie Booth [email protected] 07468971759DSA, Catherine Smith, [email protected] 07711485170Safeguarding Trainer, Andrea Richards [email protected] 07484073146Safeguarding Administrator, Claudia Aspey [email protected] 01254 503088Address: 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 supportWe 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).