Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The care and protection of vulnerable adults, children and young people is our highest priority at St. Gabriel’s. If you ever have any concern for the safety of a young person or child please do not hesitate to contact either:
The Parish Safeguarding Officer for St. Gabriel’s
Mrs Melanie Lewis 0191 903 1231
Or Rev'd Fr Jonathan Lawson
0191 908 7835
Click here to download the leaflet ” you will be listened to” which gives information and help on how to report abuse within the church.
https://www.newcastle.anglican.org/documents/survivor-leaflet-you-will-be-listened/
For further information please go to the Diocese of Newcastle website:
www.newcastle.anglican.org/safeguarding
or see the Church of England Safeguarding page:
www.churchofengland.org/more/safeguarding
To contact the local authorities please see:
Newcastle:
https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/care-and-support/adults/report-suspected-adult-abuse-and-neglect
https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/care-and-support/children/keeping-children-safe/report-concern-about-child-or-young-person
Northumberland:
https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Care/Support/Safeguarding.aspx
https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Children/Safeguarding.aspx
North Tyneside:
https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/1037/are-you-worried-about-adult
https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/488/are-you-worried-about-child
Other organisations that could help include;
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
Safeguarding Statements
This statement was adopted by St Gabriel’s Parish at a Parochial Church Council meeting held on 20th September 2018 and is reviewed each year by the Parochial Church Council and re-affirmed at the Annual Meeting.
Safeguarding Policy Statement of the Church of England
The Church of England, its Archbishops, Bishops, clergy and leaders are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church.
Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused.
We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others,and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.
The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play.
The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ’s Ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond
sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.
St Gabriel’s Safeguarding Policy
We are committed to care for one another safely and recognise that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us may be regarded as at risk at some time in our lives.
We are committed to:
Safeguarding people who may be at risk, ensuring their well-being in the life of this church.
Promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust.
Promoting the inclusion and empowerment of people who may be at risk.
Recruiting safely following the recognised procedures.
Supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work with children/young people and adults who might be at risk.
It is the responsibility of each of us to prevent physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse.
If you have any safeguarding concerns please inform the parish safeguarding officer or a member of the clergy as quickly as possible.