Safeguarding

Safeguarding

At St Andrews Aikton, we work hard to maintain a safe environment for all.

We are committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance.

If you have any concerns or enquiries regarding safeguarding, please contact our safeguarding officer

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Mrs Eleanor Graham

Phone (optional): 016973 42581

The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is Joanna Van Lachterop and she can be contacted at [email protected] or at 07458 016884. Joanna’s working days are Monday to Friday.

Out of Hours Support:

If Joanna is unavailable and you are concerned that an adult is being abused, or at risk, you should report it by contacting Adult Social Care, Cumberland Council. Emergency Out of Hours - 01228 526690

If you are concerned about a child or young person, please contact:

· Cumberland Safeguarding Hub on 0333 240 1727 (if it relates to a concern in the Allerdale, Carlisle or Copeland area) or,

· Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Hub on 0300 373 2724 (if it relates to a concern in the Barrow, Eden or South Lakeland area).

If you believe that a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires medical attention, call the emergency services on 999.

Helplines:

· NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child and need advice or guidance on what to do.

· 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 Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse or need help to report.

· 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: 0808 808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)

· Victim Support Cumbria: 0300 303 0157. Emotional and practical advice to help people affected by crime in Cumbria.

· LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428

· Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327

· Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602

5.6.2024

Safe Spaces: a service for victims and survivors of church-related abuse

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. This could be abuse by someone who holds any role in the church or is linked to participating in a church-led activity or group.

If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have need to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent, unless you or someone else is in immediate danger. Safe Spaces can provide a range of help, including advocating with authorities and other agencies, giving emotional support, providing information (including information on church and police procedures), understanding your needs and working together on individual support plans.

Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)

Email: [email protected]

LiveChat - via the Safe Spaces website