Parish Safe-Guarding Guidelines
"The parish of Melmerby: St John is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies.
Contact details for people and organisations who can be contacted for advice or in an emergency can be found on the attached document. The Diocese of Carlisle’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA).
If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact Joanna Van Lachterop - see details below.
If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police or your local authority Children or Adults Services."
The Diocese of Carlisle, safeguarding adviser: Joanna Van Lachterop (Normally works Mon-Fri.)
T: 07458 016884
Joanna Van Lachterop works full-time for the diocese. If she is unavailable and if you believe a child may be at immediate risk, you must contact Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Hub using the 24 hour number 0300 373 2724 or the police or if the safeguarding issue involves an adult then Westmorland and Furness Council Adult Social Care's contact no. is: 0300 373 3301 or out of hours 01228 526690.
If you wish to learn more about safeguarding CLICK HERE to find more information on Church of England guidelines for best safeguarding practice.
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.
Stop it Now: www.stopitnow.org.uk 0808 1000 900 A confidential helpline for people with concerns about child sexual abuse, which gives advice, support and information
Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 0808 808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
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.
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 801 032
· The Survivors Trust: 0808 801 0818 and is open Monday to Wednesday 10-7.30pm, Thursday 10-6pm and Friday 10-2pm.
The Bridgeway: www.thebridgeway.org.uk 0808 118 6432 Based in Penrith, The Bridgeway is a dedicated service that helps men, women, children and young people in Cumbria who have been raped or sexually assaulted, either recently or in the past.