At St George, Stalybridge we work hard to maintain a safe environment for all. We are committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance. If you have any concerns or enquiries regarding safeguarding, please contact our safeguarding officer using the contact details below.
We are 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 KAREN WATKINS (07514 207454) or her deputy ROSE HAYWARD (0161 303 1731) The Diocese of Manchester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is Abbey Clephane-Wilson, she can be contacted at [email protected] or at 0161 828 1465 / 07384 460958
In the case of an emergency
If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Service.
Out of Hours Support
The Diocese of Manchester partners with thirtyone:eight and you can access their Safeguarding Helpline if the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is unavailable. Thirtyone:eight can be contacted on 0303 003 1111.
This also includes any safeguarding queries outside of office hours on weekdays and weekends. An Information Sharing Agreement between the two organisations will allow the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to receive a copy of the advice thirtyone:eight may offer the caller.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 Worried about a child? - Tameside MBC or Adults Services Raise Concerns for Safety - Tameside MBC .
Safeguarding is a standing item at every PCC meeting and the declaration of our policy (shown below) is revised, updated and signed each year at the first PCC meeting following the Annual Parochial Church meeting (usually April/May).
Further information is available by clicking the here or the Safeguarding button at the bottom of this page.
Helplines
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
NSPCC: 0800 80 20 20 - for Church of England Child Protection matters.
Childline: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Stop It Now: 0808 100 0900
NAPAC: 0808 801 0331
Samaritans: 116 123 (open 24 hours).
Parent Line: 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Action On Elder Abuse: 0808 808 8141 (freephone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
Thirtyone:eight Listening line: 0303 003 1111 - this is a special helpline for those who have been affected either directly or indirectly by abuse in a church setting. It is staffed by an independent safeguarding charity and is available 7 days a week. You may be asked to leave a message but will be called back. Calls will be handled sensitively and confidentially.