Safeguarding: Promoting a Safer Church

The parish of St Lawrence with St Swithun-upon-Kingsgate, Winchester, is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). The Diocese of Winchester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advises 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. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

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.

We are committed to:
• 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
• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns/allegations of abuse and 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 any concerns:

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Kathryn Whelan – [email protected]

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: 01962 737317 / [email protected]

Local Authority Social Services:
for concerns about a child: 0300 555 1384
for concerns about an adult: 0300 555 1386

Out of Hours service (adults, children and mental health): 0300 555 1373

Helplines
• NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 • Childline: 0800 1111 • Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900
• NAPAC: 0808 801 0331 • Samaritans: 116 123 • Family Lives: 0808 800 2222
• National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
• Action On Elder Abuse: 080 8808 8141

St Lawrence with St Swithun PCC (parochial church council) has formally adopted the House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy statement’.