Safeguarding

The parish of St Mark & All Saints, Reading 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(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Oxford’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. 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.

We are committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our community. Our attached safeguarding Policy can be found below and this was approved at the PCC (Parochial Church Council) meeting on 13th July 2023.

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Levine Whitham.

If you have a Safeguarding concern please contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer via e-mail at [email protected] or telephone the parish office 0118 9502620.

If you would like to speak with the vicar - Rev'd Josephine Williams she can be contacted at [email protected]

If you would like to speak with the Diocese of Oxford safeguarding team you can contact them during office hours on 01865 208295 or find further details on their website - https://www.oxford.anglican.org/safeguarding/

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. This could be abuse by someone who holds any role in the church or is linked to participating in a church-led activity or group.

If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have need to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent, unless you or someone else is in immediate danger. Safe Spaces can provide a range of help, including advocating with authorities and other agencies, giving emotional support, providing information (including information on church and police procedures), understanding your needs and working together on individual support plans.

Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)

Email: [email protected]

LiveChat - via the Safe Spaces website