The parish of Leigh: St Mary the Virgin is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Manchester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

SAFEGUARDING
St Mary the Virgin, Leigh regards safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults, good working practice and a priority.

Safeguarding Policy
As parish and church we follow the Church of England Parish Safeguarding Handbook and have our own Safeguarding Policy.

Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO):
Samantha Pickles: [email protected]

Information and training
The 'Promoting a Safer Church' poster is displayed prominently with our church.
All those involved in working with children, young people and vulnerable adults undergo safer recruitment processes and receive safeguarding training and support.

Reporting a concern
If you have any safeguarding concerns in the parish, these should be brought to the attention of the Parish Safeguarding Officer, (PSO), in the first instance, they will then seek further advice from Abby Clephane-Wilson, who is the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, (DSA), as necessary.

Diocesan Safeguarding Team:
Abby Clephane-Wilson: 0161 828 1400 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.
Email: [email protected]
website: https://www.manchester.anglican.org/safeguarding
Address: The Church of England Diocese of Manchester,
St. John's House,
155-163 The Rock,
Bury,
BL9 0ND

Urgent help
If you need to make urgent contact with the diocese regarding a safeguarding incident outside of office hours, please contact thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111 (option 1).

If a child, young person, or vulnerable adult is at immediate risk of harm, then you should contact the Police - Leigh Police 0161 856 7225 or 999.
Or Children's Services on 01942 828 300.

We understand reporting abuse can be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
Here is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline:
0808 800 5000
(lines are free and open 24 hours).
Phone if you are worried about a child.

Child-Line:
0800 1111
(lines are free and open 24 hours).

National Domestic Violence Helpline:
0808 2000 247
Phone if you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse.

Samaritans Helpline:
116 123 (open 24 hours).
Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need to talk to someone.
Website: https://www.samaritans.org

Hourglass, (formerly Action on Elder Abuse):
0808 808 8141(open 24 hours)
Free text: 078 6005 2906