Here at St. Mary's Church, we aim to create safe environments, where children and young people are nurtured and protected; and where all people, especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason, are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety.

We follow the national legal and procedural framework for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and Church of England policy and practice.

We act promptly on any complaints made and work in close partnership with police and social care services where children or vulnerable adults have been harmed or are at risk of harm or mistreatment.

We provide safe recruitment, training, and support to our volunteers and paid workers with children and vulnerable adults.

As a Church, we follow the Church of England 'Safe Church Policy'.
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Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
Our Diocese of Manchester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our Safeguarding Officer. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the Safeguarding Officer, Alison via email: [email protected]. You can also speak to, the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Abbey Clephane-Wilson, or a member of the safeguarding team who is available between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.

If you are worried about a child or adult who is being harmed or at risk of being harmed, please contact our If you require safeguarding advice outside of office hours, please contact thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111 (option 1).
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 in an emergency.

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If you have been affected by abuse
Listening line 0303 003 1111

This is a special helpline that has been set up for those who have been affected either directly or indirectly by abuse in a church or cathedral setting. The helpline will be staffed by thirtyone:eight - an independent safeguarding charity and is available seven days a week. You may be asked to leave a message but will be called back. Calls will be handled sensitively and confidentially.

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