Safeguarding

SAFEGUARDING

The Diocese of Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults and creating protective and supportive environments where all people, and especially those who may be vulnerable, are able to worship and pursue their faith journey in safety.

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

The Parochial Church Council of Church of the Holy Spirit have adopted the House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy statement’. See below for full policy.

The Diocesan website www.newcastle.anglican.org/safeguarding has a safeguarding section with important information including what to do if you have a safeguarding concern about an adult or child, along with a downloadable leaflet ‘You will be listened to’ which gives information and help on how to report abuse within the church and how the church will respond.

Safeguarding at Holy Spirit, West Denton – who’s who?

The churchwardens: Doris Foggin: 0191 2753682

                                      Susan Stewart: 07757700920

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Susan Williams: 07710 418780

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Carol Butler: 07825 167016 [email protected]

Organisations outside the church who can be contacted for help regarding safeguarding issues

           NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hrs). 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 hrs). Phone if you are                                   experiencing domestic abuse.

           Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hrs). 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 - Friday 9-5pm).

                                                                   CHURCH OF ENGLAND

                                               THE PARISH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, DENTON

                                                                   SAFEGUARDING POLICY 

                                                            PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 27th June, 2022.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:

· Promoting a safer environment and culture.

· Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.

· Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.

· Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.

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

· Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

Our church will:

· Create a safe and caring place for all.

· Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.

· Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.

· Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.

· Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.

· Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.

· Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.

· Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.

· Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.

· Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.

· Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by our church.

Our church appoints Susan Williams as the Parish Safeguarding Officer .

Signed by : Priest in Charge Rev Neil Heslop

Date: 27th June 2022