Safeguarding at St Laurence

Jesus talked of the kingdom of God belonging to children; he gave them status, time and respect. Jesus also showed himself to be compassionately on the side of those without power, reaching across social barriers with the inclusive love of God. A Christian approach to the safeguarding of children and adults who may be vulnerable asks both individuals and communities to create a safe environment for them, to act promptly on any complaints made and to minister appropriately to those who have abused.

This parish is therefore committed to establishing an environment where children and young people are nurtured and protected and all people, and especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason, are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety. In order to do this, we, as a parish are committed to working in accordance with the national legal and procedural framework for safeguarding children and adults who may be Vulnerable as laid down by Church of England policy and practice as implemented by the Diocese of Southwark.

This parish has formally adopted the House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ safeguarding policy statement.

A copy of the full parish safeguarding policy can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page

The diocesan policies can be found at https://southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/diocesan-policies-and-procedures

Safeguarding Contacts

Rev Canon Charles Pickstone (Parish Priest) 020 8698 2871

Joan Baker (Churchwarden) 

Marva Mayne (Churchwarden)

Parish safeguarding Team (St Laurence Catford):

Lesley Ihekuna (Safeguarding Officer) via the parish office

All can also be contacted via the Parish Office 020 8698 9706

Diocese of Southwark Safeguarding team

<strong>If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm, contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser on 020 7939 9423 (office hours), 020 3874 6743 (out of hours). If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.</strong>

Other Useful numbers

Lewisham social services

020 8314 6660 (office hours) or 020 8314 6000 (out of office hours)

• NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours).

Phone if you are worried about a child.

• Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or

young person and are worried about anything.

• National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).

Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.

• Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling

to cope and need someone to talk to.

• Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 ( free phone Monday to Friday 9-

5pm).