Promoting a Safer Church – House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy for Children, young people and adults

The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Church.

Our Commitments

• Promoting a safer environment and culture

• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults

• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation

• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons

• Responding to those that may pose a present risk.

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Adviser or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.

Local contacts available to speak to if you have concerns :

Steve Dearman, Safeguarding Officer

Tel : 01484 865487

Email: [email protected]

Rev Stephanie Hunter, Interim Priest in Charge

Tel : 01484 605386

Email : [email protected]

Jenny Leccardi 07872 005189 Narinder Lyon 07872 005309, Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers

Email : [email protected] or [email protected]

Local Authority Social Services

Children : 01484 456848

Adults : 01484 221000

Out of hours children and adults : 01484 414933

If there is any immediate risk or danger please contact the police on 101

Helplines

• NSPCC : 0808 800 5000

• Childline : 0800 1111

• Stop it now : 0808 1000 900

• NAPAC : 0808 801 0331

• Samaritans : 116123

• Family Lives : 0808 800 2222

• National Domestic Violence Helpline : 0808 2000 247

• Action on Elder Abuse : 0808 808 8141