Summary of the Safeguarding Policy for this group of Churches:
- We are committed to respectful pastoral ministry to all adults within our church community.
- We are committed, within our church community, to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable people.
- We will carefully select and train all those with any pastoral responsibility within the Church, including the use of Criminal Record, Bureau disclosures where legal or appropriate.
- We will respond without delay to any complaint made that an adult for whom we were responsible has been harmed, cooperating with police and the local authority in any investigation.
- We will seek to offer informed pastoral care to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate healing ministry.
- We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
- We will care for and supervise any member of our church community known to have offended against a vulnerable person.
The group of churches adopts the guidelines of the Church of England and the Diocese
Safeguarding Officers:
- St Mary the Virgin (Elham): Peter Swain: pvswain@gmail.com, 01303 840408
- St Mary & St Ethelburga (Lyminge): Gary Colvin: 01303 862360
- St Martin (Acrise): Sue Prebble: sue1954prebble@gmail.com 01303 844640
- St Mary Magdalene (Denton): Tobias Wood: TFABW@hotmail.com
- St Martin (Wooton): Tobias Wood: TFABW@hotmail.com
- St Mary (Postling): Sarah Montgomery: 01303 863780
- All Saints (Stanford): Mrs Sara Myers, themyers@talktalk.net
- St Oswald's (Paddlesworth): Celia Mosley, 01303 893609
Finding support:
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing to you and it may add to your hurt by our not being able to immediately assist you. Therefore here are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services.
- Social Services: www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/report-abuse
- 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).
- The National Safeguarding Team: safeguarding@churchofengland.org
- Contact your local Diocesan Safeguarding Team
For Further assistance go to : https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/promoting-safer-church-safeguarding