“We place a high priority on keeping those in our care, whether children, young people or vulnerable adults safe.”
As a 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. Our PCC has formally adopted this and signed the Safeguarding Policy Statement Promoting a Safer Church. Details of our parish safeguarding officer can be found below. We have also displayed ‘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.
ST JOHN'S CHURCH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER:
Honor Rhodes
The Parish Safeguarding Officer is the key link between the diocese and the parish, concerning safeguarding matters. She will have an overview of all church activities involving children, young people, and vulnerable adults and will seek to ensure the implementation of safeguarding policy.
PLEASE CONTACT ME IF
You’re worried about the welfare of a child.
You’re worried about the welfare of a vulnerable adult.
Or use the email:
HONORRHODES@HOTMAIL.COM
Reporting a Concern
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer (Honor Rhodes) 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. If the concern involves one of our chaplains, please also contact Cath Smith direct.
Cath Smith’s Contact Details
01254 503070
07711 485170
catherine.smith@blackburn.anglican.org
safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org
Diocese Offices, Clayton House,
Walker Business Park, Blackburn,
BB1 2Q
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
0808 800 5000
Phone if you are worried about a child.
Childline
0800 1111
Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
0808 2000 247
Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans
116 123
Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse
080 8808 8141
Phone if you are elderly and concerned or you’re concerned about an elderly person