As a church we have adopted the House of Bishop's 'Promoting a Safer Church' policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, incorporating 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.

Details of our parish safeguarding officers can be found on the "People" section of the website and are also displayed prominently in church on the noticeboard. Our Safe Guarding Officers can be contacted as follows;

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Mary Benn: 01524 751236

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David Stockdale, Adults: 01524 751504

 

Emma Smith, Children and Young People: 01524 751260 or 07501659656

 

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. 

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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 (Please see the 'People' section of this website or the church noticeboard for contact details) who can seek further advice from Sharon Hassall, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA), as necessary. 

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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 contact Sharon Hassall direct. 

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Sharon's contact details are:

Telephone: 01254 503070

Mobile: 07711485170

Email: sharon.hassall@blackburn.

anglican.org

Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2Q

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Links to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be found here:

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https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/diocesan-safeguarding-team

https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/reporting-a-safeguarding-concern

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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:

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NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 8005000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.

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Child-Line: 08001111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.

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National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.

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Samaritans Helpline: 116123 (open 24 hours) Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to. 

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Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)

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