Safeguarding

The Wantsum Benefice: Chislet, Minster, Monkton & St Nicholas-at-Wade

Safeguarding

At the Wantsum Benefice we want to make everyone feel welcome and safe. To help with this we have two Safeguarding Officers whose roles include looking out for those within our churches who may need support. They are also available to speak to about any issues or concerns you may have. Their contact details are below.

Every volunteer who helps with children and youth work has to complete an application form, a DBS check and two references.

As a Parish we are fully signed up to the Diocesan Safeguarding Training framework.

Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement

The Benefice parochial church councils have adopted the safeguarding policies and procedures of the Church of England. In particular we are committed to:

• the safeguarding of all children, young people and vulnerable adults

• carefully selecting and training paid and voluntary staff who might come into contact with children or vulnerable adults, using the Disclosure and Barring Service amongst other tools, to check their suitability

• responding without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed

• cooperating fully with the police, local authority and any other appropriate statutory body in any investigation

• ministering appropriately to anyone, child or adult, who has experienced abuse

• extending pastoral care to those known to have offended against children or vulnerable adults whilst ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are protected from them

We have appointed as the Parish Safeguarding Coordinators:

Mrs Sally Willins (01843 822428)                      Mrs Fran Kimmons ( 01843 823152)

The Parish Safeguarding Coordinators are available to speak with adults or children.

This policy is reviewed and renewed annually in May of each year and displayed in the church.

Our Safeguarding Policy, which accords with the Diocesan Policy, can be read here: https://www.canterburydiocese.org/media/forms/safeguarding/diocesanguidelines.pdf.

Where to get help and advice:

Full details of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisors, who can give expert and immediate support on any Safeguarding concern, are available: https://www.canterburydiocese.org/safeguarding/

You can get immediate support from Childline on 0800 1111 or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.

Any parent or carer wishing to talk about parenting problems can contact Family Lives on 0808 800 2222

If you believe someone is at immediate risk or danger, you should call the police on 999.

Kent County Council services can be accessed as follows:

Main contact: 03000 41 41 41

• Adult social services & health: 03000 41 61 61

• Children & Families Information Service: 03000 41 23 23

• Children’s social services: 03000 41 11 11