The Good Shepherd Church, Bishopwearmouth is proud to be a part of the Diocese of Durham in the Church of England, whose Archbishops, Bishops, clergy and leaders are absolutely committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church.

Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.

The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play.

The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ’s Ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.

Although safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone here at The Good Shepherd; Viv Murtha is our designated Safeguarding Lead and can be contacted about any safeguarding matter on 0191 528 3568 / 07742 156019. You can also speak to our other churchwarden, Lisa Brewer on 07767 126690.

The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor is Beth Miller who can be contacted on 07968034075 [email protected]

Two very useful links:

More information on the Church of England’s National Safeguarding can be found here: www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding

More information about Safeguarding in the Diocese of Durham can be found here: https://durhamdiocese.org/safeguarding