Safeguarding

“Most of the time at church we are like a big happy family. However even in very happy families people can have a bad day and even people we know and trust can upset us. We want to help everyone have good days all of the time. 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 you, confuse you 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 is the parish safeguarding officer. You can contact the safeguarding officer Lesley Thornes via [email protected] or tel: 07825 293389.

 If you wish to speak to someone outside the church you can contact the diocesan safeguarding team - their contact details are at https://www.lincoln.anglican.org/parish-support/safeguarding/ or tel: 01522 504050. The Diocese of Lincoln has a team of professionally qualified and dedicated safeguarding professionals who provide specialist advice, confidential support to parishes and to individuals, approved safeguarding training, qualified risk assessment and support to allegations management processes across the whole diocese.

Serious safeguarding issues should be reported immediately to Lincolnshire Police, or the Lincolnshire County Council Social Services safeguarding staff.

Copies of the safeguarding policies to which we strictly adhere at St Mary's can be found at the rear of the church. Other helpful numbers are:-

Childline: 0800 1111

EdanLincs (Domestic Abuse): 01522 510041

Men’s Advice Line: 0808 8010327

Elder Abuse Hotline: 0800 0699 784

Safe Spaces: 0300 303 1056