Safeguarding policy

The Parochial Church Council of St Paul's, Ryhope is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for everyone, especially for children, young people and vulnerable adults. It has adopted and approved the Church of England policy for promoting a safer church. This policy deals with all aspects of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. 


To discuss any safeguarding concerns relating to St Paul's, Ryhope please contact

the Parish Safeguarding Officer: Elaine Shanks on [email protected]

or the Parish Priest: Rev David Chadwick, on 0191 523 7884, [email protected]



Concerns can also be raised with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer: Mrs Beth Miller - she can be contacted as follows:

Address: Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Mobile: 07968 034075



For further information please also see the Diocese of Durham safeguarding pages: https://durhamdiocese.org/category/safeguarding/)


Additional Contacts

Call 999 if a child or adult is in immediate danger of significant or serious harm


National helplines:
NSPCC – 0808 800 5000
Childline – 0800 1111
Stop it Now – 0808 1000 900
NAPAC – 0808 801 0331
Samaritans – 116 123
Family Lives – 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
Action on Elder Abuse – 0808 808 8141


SafeguardingStPaulsApril2025, PDF

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