Safeguarding
The safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults is an integral part of our life and ministry.
Christian communities should be places where all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse, and are particularly called by God to support those less powerful and those without a voice in our society. St Matt’s and St Thomas à Becket are therefore always working towards creating a safe and non-discriminatory environment.
If you have any questions about keeping people safe or are concerned that a child, young person or vulnerable adult has been or may be abused or neglected please inform the Safeguarding Officer immediately.
Widcombe Parish Safeguarding Officer:
Jill | Email: safeguarding@widcombe.church
For immediate response, these are the contact details 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)
Summary of the Parish
Safeguarding Policy
The care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and all adults within our church community.
The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable.
The establishing of safe caring communities which provide an environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.
We will follow safe recruitment procedures to carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the church for children, young people and vulnerable adults, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes.
We will respond to every complaint made which suggests that a child, young person or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, co-operating with the Police and Local Authority in any investigation.
We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with him or her an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
We will care for and supervise any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially anyone in a position of trust.
We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.