Safeguarding

Promoting a Safer Church

If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.

We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing to you and it may add to your hurt by our not being able to immediately assist you. Therefore here are the contact details of agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

NSPCC Church Abuse Helpline: 0800 80 20 20 (lines free and open 24 hours). You can report abuse of any kind within the Church on this line.

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).

The National Safeguarding Team: [email protected]

We are committed to providing a safe environment for all, especially children and adults at risk. In particular we affirm that the welfare of the children and adults at risk is paramount. We are committed to providing support for all carers of children and adults at risk in our parish and to protecting and nurturing all members of our community.

We accept and endorse the principles contained within the Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and the various safeguarding policy documents of the Church of England and adopted by the Diocese of Chelmsford in 2018. The Church of England's Safeguarding Policy can be found here and a hardcopy is available to view on request.​​

These documents are the foundation of our Safeguarding Policy.

We affirm that abuse will not be tolerated in any form in our community and that we will take allegations of abuse, whether physical, mental or spiritual seriously and co-operate fully with the appropriate authorities in the event of an investigation being necessary.

We undertake to exercise care in the selection, appointment and supervision of those working with children and adults at risk in either a paid or voluntary capacity in an effort to ensure the highest standards are maintained in all liturgical, pastoral, educational, spiritual and recreational activities.

All of our children's workers, clergy and officers have, where appropriate and in accordance with current legislation, been screened and checked by the DBS and have received appropriate clearance.

The Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) for St Mary's is Clare Cox. Clare is a retired deputy head teacher. She has been appointed by the PCC to work with the Vicar and Churchwardens to ensure that the highest standards of Safeguarding are met at all times. Together with the Vicar, Clare will be happy to answer your questions about Safeguarding.

For any matters relating to Safeguarding, please contact the Vicar on 020 8478 0546 or Clare on 07739 974 686. You can email them here. If you cannot reach them, or feel you cannot speak to either of them, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team on 01245 294444 or email here.