Safeguarding
We take the safeguarding and care of children, young people and vulnerable adults very seriously.
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. Details of our parish safeguarding officer can be found in the ‘Safeguarding in our Parish' who’s who.
We have also displayed the 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.
Reporting a concern
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish
Safeguarding Officer(s) (PSO) in the first instance, who can seek further advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team 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 the Diocesan Safeguarding Team
The Diocesan Safeguarding Team contact details are:
Telephone: 01254 503088
Mobile: 07711 485170 or 07468 971759
Email: safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org
Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE
Links to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and contact details for the whole team can be found here:
https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/safeguarding
On a bank holiday, evening, or weekend, please contact Thirty-One Eight as we have an out of hours helpline who can provide advice and direction on any concerns you have. 0303 003 1111
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).