PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH
As a parish / church 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. [download here]
Our PCC has formally adopted this and signed the Safeguarding Policy Statement Promoting a Safer Church. (download here)
Details of our PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER can be found in the attached ‘Safeguarding in our Parish – who’s who. [download here]
We have also displayed the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church / parish [download here]
All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment, received safeguarding training and support.
Reporting a concern:
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer(s) (PSO) in the first instance, who can seek further advice from Catherine 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. If the concern involves one of our chaplains, please also contact Catherine Smith direct.
Catherine's contact details are:
Telephone: 01254 503070
Mobile: 07711 485170
Email: catherine.smith@blackburn.anglican.org
Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2Q
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
For emergency safeguarding advice, from June 1, 2021 when the DSA is unavailable (due to being on holiday or other absence) you are now able to receive emergency safeguarding cover via thirtyone:eight* on their helpline 0303 003 1111.
This helpline is available 5pm to midnight weekdays and at weekends, in addition to holiday periods. The safeguarding helpline is not available between midnight and 7am.
*thirtyone:eight is an independent Christian charity which helps individuals, organisations, charities, faith and community groups to protect vulnerable people from abuse.
Finding support
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:
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).