Safeguarding

As a parish, we are committed to Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults. We follow the House of Bishops' guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer, PSO (please see below).

The Diocese of Rochester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA (contact details also below).

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

Our PCC has adopted the Church of England’s policies and best practice on safeguarding which may be found on the Church of England’s website. The Church of England's Parish Safeguarding Handbook: Promoting a Safer Church can be found here
The Joint Council of Penshurst and the Chiddingstone Churches has formally adopted the House of Bishops' 'Promoting a Safer Church safeguarding policy statement'. Please see below to download a copy of the formal statement.

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Dennis Ward (tel: 01732 860525 / 07860 725618)

To view the Safeguarding Policy of the Joint Council of Penshurst and the Chiddingstone Churches, please see link below.

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS

Lead Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Greg Barry

Tel: 01634 560000 or 07585 952174

Email: [email protected]

HELPLINES

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

Childline: 0800 1111 https://www.childline.org.uk/

Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900 https://www.stopitnow.org.uk/

NAPAC: 0808 801 0331 https://napac.org.uk/

Samaritans: 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/