The Parish of St Helen, West Auckland, St Helen and Tindale Crescent is proud to be part of the Diocese of Durham in the Church of England, whose Archbishops, Bishops, clergy and leaders are absolutely committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church.
Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.
The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play.
The church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ's Ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to keep them safe from harm.
Although safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone here at St Helen's, West Auckland; Mrs Dianne Chew is our designated Safeguarding Lead and can be contacted about any safeguarding matter. You can also speak to our Parish Priest, the Rev Canon Robert McTeer on <em><font size="3">01388 604152</font></em> or leave an email via <em style="font-size: 1rem;"><font size="3">[email protected]</font></em>
Concerns can also be raised with the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Mrs Beth Miller - she can be contacted as follows:
Address: Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Mobile: 07968 034075
For further information please also see the Diocese of Durham safeguarding pages: https://durhamdiocese.org/category/safeguarding/
Safeguarding Abuse and concerns: https://durhamdiocese.org/safeguarding-abuse-concerns/
Two very useful links:
More information on the Church of England’s National Safeguarding can be found here: www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding
More information about safeguarding in the diocese can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/promoting-safer-church-safeguarding