We take our duty and obligation to safeguard and protect all people extremely seriously, and we have adopted the national Church of England’s robust safeguarding procedures and guidelines. If you or anyone you are in contact with would like to talk with someone independently, please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or email safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk. Alternatively, you may contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer 01270 568945 / belindajcoghlan@gmail.com or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser in the Diocese of Chester, via email or phone: 01928 718834 / 07704 338885 (office hours)
Safeguarding at St. Mary’s Church
We understand safeguarding to be an integral part of the life and ministry of our Church. The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults visiting and participating in Church activities is important to us, everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a safer church for all.
In order to do this:
St. Mary’s Church has adopted and implements the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policies:
The Church of England Parish Safeguarding Handbook brings into one place and summarises safeguarding responsibilities of the parish as outlined in the House of Bishops’ Policies and Practise Guidance. It supports the day to day work of the parish in relation to safeguarding.
St Mary’s Parish Safeguarding Policy may be viewed here.
Further Church of England Safeguarding policies and guidance can be found in the safeguarding e-manual.
If you have any concerns about either yourself or another person that may be being harmed or is at risk of harm, please contact us straight away. If you are concerned about anybody working or volunteering within the church acting inappropriately we want to know.
If you have concerns about possible abuse (including allegations):
- In an emergency, call emergency services 999.
- If you have concerns always contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer who will inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and social services.
- Keep a record of what happened, your concerns and your actions.
If a child, young person or adult wishes to disclose they have been abused:
- Do not question or investigate.
- Do not promise confidentiality; tell them you will need to share the information.
- Assure them they are not to blame.
- Tell them what you are going to do and that they will be told what happens.
- Make careful notes of what is said, record dates, times, events.
- Report it to the Parish Safeguarding Officer and the Rector.
- Only tell those who need to know.
Please contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer:
Belinda Coghlan
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Tel: 01270 568945 Email: belindajcoghlan@gmail.com
The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is Sean Augustin
Sean is based at Church House, Daresbury – Telephone 01928 718834 ext 266 9am – 4pm Mon – Fri, email safeguarding@chester.anglican.org
Safeguarding training here
CONTACTS
Here are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24 hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
Cheshire East Children’s Services
Office hours 0300 123 5012
Out of hours 0300 123 5022
Cheshire East Adult’s Services
Office hours 0300 123 5010
Out of hours 0300123 5022
Police
Emergency 999
Non urgent 101
Childline
24 hour helpline 08001111
Family Lives
Mon – Fri 9am – 9pm 08088002222
Sat – Sun 10am – 3pm 08088002222
NSPCC
24 hour helpline 08088005000 free phone
National Domestic Violence Helpline
24 hour helpline 08082000247 free phone
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline
Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm 08088088141 free phone
Samaritans
24 hour helpline 08457909090
Domestic Abuse
See here for information on where and how to report domestic abuse and to get help.