Promoting a Safer Church

As a parish we have adopted the House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, incorporating the House of Bishop’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.

Our PCC has formally adopted this and signed the Safeguarding Policy Statement Promoting a Safer Church.

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Nigel Gillson 07710 012553 or email  stannes.shevington.safeguarding@gmail.com

We have also displayed the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church

All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment, received safeguarding training and support.

Reporting a concern

If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999

Any safeguarding concerns in the parish should be brought to the attention of our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), Sharon Drury (07851 868395) in the first instance, who can seek further advice from Cath Smith, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA), as necessary.

Safeguarding concerns in a school/university/prison/healthcare setting should be raised with the relevant organisation’s Safeguarding team. Please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team with any queries or worries:

Tel 01254 503088 email safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org
address Diocesan Offices, Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE

Links to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be found here:

https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/diocesan-safeguarding-team

https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/reporting-a-safeguarding-concern

Finding support

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support.
Contact SafeSpaces

We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

Thirty-one: Eight: 0303 003 1111 (out of hours and weekend safeguarding advice)

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)