Safeguarding 2023 / 2024

Safeguarding 2023 / 2024

The Parish Safeguarding Handbook can be found at the following link:
https://d3hgrlq6yacptf.cloudfront.net/603eb0893e402/content/pages/documents/1603726665.pdf

Hard copies of the document are held by Pat Shelbrooke (Safeguarding Officer) and The Revd Canon Alyson Davie, and the Parish Office.

The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults visiting and participating in St John’s and St Mildred’s activities and services is important.

Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all. St John’s with St Mildred’s follows the Church of England safeguarding guidance; these policies can be found on the Rochester Diocesan website Diocese of Rochester | Safeguarding (anglican.org

If you have any worries or concerns about yourself or another person who may be being harmed or is at risk of harm, we will do our best to help you.

If you have any concerns that an individual working or volunteering at St John’s or St Mildred’s may be acting inappropriately or harming another we want to know.

Our leaders and volunteers all understand their responsibilities regarding safeguarding.

St John’s with St Mildred’s Safeguarding Officer: Mrs Pat Shelbrooke

Contact details: 01732 823745 or [email protected]

If a child, young person or adult is in immediate need of protection the Police should be called on 999.

Social Services in each Local Authority can also be contacted to advise on a safeguarding concern.

In this area that is: –

Kent County Council (KCC) Central Referral: which includesDartford, Gravesham, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells.

Adult: Office hours 03000 41 61 61, Outside office hours 03000 41 91 91

Children: Office hours 03000 41 11 11, Outside office hours 03000 41 91 91

You can also contact any of the following for help and advice.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children operates two 24 hour helplines:

Help for children and young people – Childline 0800 1111

Help for adults concerned about a child – 0808 800 5000

For victims of domestic abuse – National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 200 247

Samaritans Helpline 116 123 (open 24 hours)

Action on Elder Abuse Helpline 080 8808 8141 (freephone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)

Stop It Now 0808 1000 900 (Monday – Thursday 9am – 9pm, Friday 9am -5pm)