Safeguarding

Most of the time at church we are like a big happy family. However, even in very happy families people, even people we know, love and trust, can upset and harm us. We try to make sure that people who have jobs in the church always behave well and in a way that is helpful to you. We never want anyone or anything in church to frighten, confuse or worry you. It is important that you tell us if something is upsetting you, or if you are feeling worried about something that’s happening, or something somebody is doing. We have specially trained people who you can talk to, and who you can ask for help. These people are good at safeguarding. This means they look after everyone’s safety. Caring for people is a very important part of our Christian life.

The people who can help you are the parish priest or the parish safeguarding coordinator (Mark Sims 01522 810153). If you wish to speak to someone outside the church you can contact the diocesan safeguarding team – their contact details are available on 01522 504070 There is also information there about other places from where you can get help or advice.

Graffoe Parish takes its duty and obligation to protect all children and adults extremely seriously. We have adopted the national Church of England’s robust procedures and guidelines. You can find out more about the national policies and procedures at www.churchofengland.org/more/safeguarding . If you have any safeguarding concerns or issues on a safeguarding matter then you can find useful contact information at www.lincoln.anglican.org/Pages/Category/safeguarding or for parish safeguarding information visit our website safeguarding page.

Promoting a Safer Church

The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Church.Further information, together with Graffoe Parish policy statements can be found in a Safeguarding Folder kept at the back of all our Churches.

House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy for children, young people & adults – Our Commitments:

Promoting a safer environment and culture

Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults

Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation

Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons

Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns/allegations of abuse and other affected persons

Responding to those that may pose a present risk

Full downloadable documents can be found on the Diocesan website:

https://www.lincoln.anglican.org/safeguarding-statements-and-policies

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Advisor or if necessary, report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.

Local contacts available to speak to if you have any concerns:

Rector: Vacant

Parish Safeguarding Coordinator: Mark Sims, Tel: 01522 810153

Diocesan SG Advisor: Jack Redeyoff, Tel: 07885 999907; Email: [email protected]

Local Authority Social Care Services: 01522 782333

If there is immediate risk or danger, contact the Police on 101.

Helplines:

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

Childline: 0800 1111

NAPAC: 0808 801 0331

Samaritans: 116 123

Family Lives: 0808 800 2222

National Domestic Violence: 0808 2000 247

Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900

Action on Elder Abuse: 0808 8088 141

EdanLincs (Domestic Abuse): 01522 510041

Men’s Advice Line: 0808 8010327

Elder Abuse Hotline: 0800 0699 784

Safe Spaces: 0300 303 1056