‘Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of every one of us. It is central to our mission and ministry and is integral in the Diocesan Vision which asks us to consider how to make our church communities healthier’ (From Blackburn Diocesan website).
As Christians, we have a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. We strive to make our church a place where all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from harm. We work towards creating a safe non-discriminatory environment by being aware of situations which can create vulnerability.
We have in place Safeguarding procedures and Codes of safer practice. Our policies govern the work undertaken with children, young people and vulnerable adults who attend church or take part in activities on church premises (or that are organised by the church) within the parish.
So as a church our PCC has formally adopted
- the House of Bishops Safeguarding policy Promoting a Safer Church and
- the Parish_Safeguarding_Handbook_October_2018 incorporating the House of Bishop’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.
We have displayed the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church, which also displays details for the Safeguarding Officer.
We also have a Safeguarding notice board in church, where the copy of the handbook, policy and other important information can be found.
We ensure that those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment, received safeguarding training and support.
Reporting a concern
Please bring any safeguarding concerns in our parish to the attention of Elaine Lockwood, All Saints’ Safeguarding Officer; who can seek further advice from Sharon Hassall, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA), as necessary.
All Saints Safeguarding Officer:
Elaine Lockwood,
Mobile: 07775152591
Email: lockwoodelaine7@gmail.com
Should you wish to talk to theDiocesan Safeguarding Officer her details are below:
Sharon Hassall
Telephone: 01254 503070
Mobile: 07711 485170
Email: sharon.hassall@blackburn.anglican.org
Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2Q
Other important information and support from to 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
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).
Here are some important telephone numbers should you require them.
