Staying Safe & Secure

‘Safeguarding’ means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture in all our churches. In order to achieve this, we all need to work together and be aware of our responsibilities. We will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults. We will work to prevent abuse from occurring. We will seek to protect those who are at risk of being abused and respond well to those who 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.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

Reporting abuse and finding support

If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.

St Mary’s Church, Leigh, appointed Parish Safeguarding Officer

Lisa Srotyr 07882 470902                             email: [email protected]

Diocese of Rochester

Lead Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser for Tonbridge Archdeaconry and Rochester Cathedral Safeguarding

Greg Barry 07585 952174 email: [email protected]

The Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team is working to increase the capacity and expertise of parishes, dioceses and other Church of England institutions to respond to safeguarding concerns and support victims and survivors. [email protected]

The Rochester Diocesan Safeguarding Team are available Monday to Friday 08:00 – 17:00 (excluding bank holidays).

For safeguarding advice outside of these hours please see the following options:

For non-urgent enquires email the Diocesan Safeguarding Team who will respond as soon as possible during office hours.For urgent safeguarding advice contact your local social services, out of hours contacts can be found on their websites. If someone is at risk of immediate harm, contact the police on 999

Finding support

Reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing to you and it may add to your hurt by our not being able to immediately assist you. Therefore, here are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

https://www.rochester.anglican.org/safeguarding/supportforvictimsandsurvivors/