Safeguarding

It is our fundamental belief that safeguarding in a Christian context is Gospel work - it is an expression of our love for God and each other, and in particular of our obedience to the command to 'act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God'. As Christians, therefore, we approach safeguarding with a determination to protect people from harm - especially when they are particularly vulnerable - and with a realistic view of what even apparently 'good' people are capable of.

The Ascension Church 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 Chichester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs.

The Diocese of Chichester’s safeguarding pages can be reached by clicking here.

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. Phone numbers are below.

If you have any other safeguarding concerns, or need to talk to someone, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Tina Coomber, on 07751 237 482 or see the numbers and polices below for more information.

The Incumbent (Vicar)
Rev’d Martin Jones – 01444415229
Email: [email protected]

Parish Safeguarding Officer
Tina Coomber - 07751 237 482
Email: [email protected]

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor
Colin Perkins - 01273 425792 / 07500 771210

Urgent concerns
If you believe a child, young person or adult is in urgent danger - contact the police:
Tel: 999 or dial 101 to speak to the contact centre.

Safeguarding contacts outside of the church:

To report concerns about a child or young person
WSCC Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
Tel: 01403-229900
Email: [email protected]

To report concerns about an adult at risk, see:
West Sussex County Council raise a concern about an adult.