Safeguarding
Safeguarding is an area which we take very seriously in our parish and we work hard to develop a culture of safeguarding where all feel safe within the life of the parish. We have adopted the House of Bishop's Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance. Our PCC has formally adopted this and signed the Safeguarding Policy Statement Promoting a Safer Church.
Reporting a Concern
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSO) in the first instance, who can seek further advice from Catherine Smith, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA), as necessary. Our PSO's for All Saints' Higher Walton are as follows:
Links to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be found here:
https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/diocesan-safeguarding-team
https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/reporting-a-safeguarding-concern
Catherine Smith Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser contact details:
Mobile: 07711 485170
Email: catherine.smith@blackburn.anglican.org
Address:
Diocese Offices,
Clayton House,
Walker Business Park,
Blackburn,
BB1 2QE
Training
Everyone who works/volunteers with children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable needs to complete the Church of England Promoting a Safer Church Basic Awareness and Safeguarding Foundations courses. Both are interactive online courses, are completely free and each takes up to one hour to complete. All you need is access to the internet and an email address.
We also provide annual safeguarding refresher training to all those who work/volunteer with children, young people and adults.
Useful Numbers
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines are free and open 24 hours)
Childline: 0800 1111
ParentPlus: 07799 602858
Lancashire County Council: 0300 123 6720
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines are free and open 24 hours)
thirtyone:eight Christian charity 0303 003 1111
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours)
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 0808 808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9am-5pm)
If you have immediate concerns call the Police (either as an emergency 999 or non emergency 101)