Safeguarding

Christian communities should be places where all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from harm.  To ensure this, St Paul's adheres to the local and national Church of England safeguarding policies available below.

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Angela Taylor who can be contacted on 0789 423 5626

Promoting a Safer Church

St Pauls 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 A copy of this, and all the information below can be found here: cofe-policy-statement.pdf (churchofengland.org)

We also display the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church. This is in the chapel of Church along with relevant phone numbers and contact details.

All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment and received safeguarding training.

Reporting a concern

If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999

Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer(s) (PSO) in the first instance -Angela Taylor  07894235626

The PSO can seek further advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team as necessary.

Concerns can also be raised directly with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.  Safeguarding Team Contact Details safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org

DSA, Catherine Smith, Catherine.smith@blackburn.anglican.org 07711485170

Safeguarding Trainer, Andrea Richards Andrea.richards@blackburn.anglican.org 07484073146

Safeguarding Administrator, Claudia Aspey Claudia.aspey@blackburn.anglican.org 01254 503088

Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Office Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE

Safeguarding concerns in a school/university/prison/healthcare setting should be raised with the relevant organisation's Safeguarding team.

Finding support

We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the church directly. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

Thirty One: Eight: 0303 003 1111 (out of hours and weekend safeguarding advice)

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).

Church of England