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.
All Saints have adopted the House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, incorporating the House of Bishop’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance
A copy of this, and all the information below can be found here: cofe-policy-statement.pdf (churchofengland.org)
We also display the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church. This is on the notice boards in Church along with relevant phone numbers and contact details.
All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment and received safeguarding training.
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If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999.
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer for children under 18 is Sue Leigh and for vulnerable adults is Elisabeth Sawle. If you have any safeguarding concerns please contact them in the first instance by phone or email. Any further advice will be sought from Catherine Smith, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA), as necessary.
Elisabeth Sawle
Vulnerable Adults Safeguarding Officer
01772 821213
Diocese Safeguarding Team Contact Details
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safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org
Tel: 01254 503088
Assistant DSA, Sophie Booth
Sophie.booth@blackburn.anglican.org 07468971759
DSA, Catherine Smith,
Catherine.smith@blackburn.anglican.org 07711485170
Safeguarding Trainer, Andrea Richards
Andrea.richards@blackburn.anglican.org 07484073146
Safeguarding Administrator, Claudia Aspey
Claudia.aspey@blackburn.anglican.org 01254 503088
Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Office Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE
Safeguarding concerns in a school/university/prison/healthcare setting should be raised with the relevant organisation's Safeguarding team.
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Safeguarding Policy
The Church of England's policy which combines children and adults safeguarding is available here.
Holy Trinity has adopted this as our Safeguarding Policy and a copy of our Parish Safeguarding Policy is available here
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.
Finding Support & Useful Numbers
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the church directly. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
Thirty One: Eight: 0303 003 1111 (out of hours and weekend safeguarding advice)
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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).
ParentPlus: 07799 602858
Lancashire County Council: 0300 123 6720
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If you have immediate concerns call the Police (either as an emergency 999 or non emergency 101)
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