St Mary's Church Safeguarding Policy
and Diocesan Newsletter
Here at St. Mary's Church, we aim to create safe environments, where children and young people are nurtured and protected; and where all people, especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason, are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety.
We are committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance.
As a Church, we follow the Church of England 'Safe Church Policy', which you can read here.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you have any concerns or enquiries regarding safeguarding, please contact our safeguarding officer., Alison via email: safeguarding@smhg.org.uk.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is Abbey Clephane-Wilson, she can be contacted at safeguarding@manchester.anglican.org or at 0161 828 1465 / 07384 460958
Out of Hours Support
The Diocese of Manchester partners with thirtyone:eight and you can access their Safeguarding Helpline if the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is unavailable. Thirtyone:eight can be contacted on 0303 003 1111. This also includes any safeguarding queries outside of office hours on weekdays and weekends. An Information Sharing Agreement between the two organisations will allow the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to receive a copy of the advice thirtyone:eight may offer the caller.
In the case of an emergency
If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Service.
Helplines
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Parent Line: 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours).
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)