Safeguarding

“In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our community, and will ensure that we will:
- Adopt and implement the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policy and practice guidance.
- Promote and publicise the ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy statement, and ensure all church officers have access to it.
- Have a plan in place that sets out, in line with national and local priorities, how the policy will be put into action.
- Ensure that any person who works with vulnerable groups is aware of and abides by national and local safeguarding guidance.
- Review the policy regularly to ensure best practice”

Our Safeguarding Officers are: Helen Kershaw and Catherine Maclennan, who can be contacted via the Church Office (01625 879277) or by email.

The Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be contacted at safeguarding@chester.anglican.org or on 01928 643442

Out of Hours Support

The Diocese of Chester partners with thirtyone:eight and you can access their Safeguarding

Helpline if the Diocesan Safeguarding Team 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 (101) and your local authority Children or Adults Service.

Helplines

• 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 (freephone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)