St. george's Church, Weald

Safeguarding

The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of St. George's. You can download the Church of England Parish Safeguarding Manual here.

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or being abused or presents a risk to others, please talk to the Vicar or Parish Safeguarding Officer, seek advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor of if appropriate, report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Service or the Police without delay.

Local Contacts:

The Vicar - Revd. Canon Mandy Carr - mandy@carrfamilyonline.co.uk or 01732 463291
Weald Parish Safeguarding Officer - Jackie Evans - safeguarding@stgeorgesweald.co.uk or 07792 589776
Diocesan Safeguarding Team -01634 560000 - email: dsasafeguarding@rochester.anglican.org

As a church, we are commited to:

Promoting a safe environment and culture
Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsiility related to children and vulnerable adults.
Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
Caring pastorally for victims/ survivors of abuse or other affected persons.
Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concern/ allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
Responding to those that may pose a present risk.

St. George's PCC operates under the guidelines laid down by the House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy for children, young people and adults. The PCC adopts the policy annually and receives regular updates.

Our 'Promoting A Safer Church Action Plan' includes the following principles:

To raise awareness of Safeguarding with the PCC and whole church congregation by displaying information on our website, posters and notices as well as promoting Safeguarding issues at PCC meetings, the APCM and at other appropriate meetings.
To ensure that we are up to date with the adoption of all relevant polices regarding Safegurading and Safer Recruiting.
To ensure that all relevant SAfeguarding and Safer Recruitig training courses are undertaken.
To aim to comply with all recommended good practice in all Safeguarding and Safer Recruiting issues.

Local and National Agencies/Charities

Police (non-emergency) - 101
In an emergency dial 999
Local Authority Social Services - KCC 0300 416161
Children's Social Services Duty Team - 08458 247102
Kenty Couny Council Central Referral - Concerned about an adult - 03000 416161 Outside office hours 03000 419191 - Concerned about a child - 03000 411111 Outside office hours - 03000 419191
NSPCC - 0808 800 5000
Childline - 0800 1111
National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) - 0808 801 0331
Samaritans - 116 123
Thirtyoneeight (formerly CPAS an independent Christian charity) - 0303 003 111
Family Lives (offers support in all aspects of family life) - 0808 800 2222
Action on Elder Abuse - 0808 8808 8141
Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services (DAVSS) Helpline 01892 570538
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247
https://www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk/locations/sevenoaks - This offers a central, comprehensive resource of all Domestic Abuse related services within Kent and Medway to support those affected by domestic abuse.
https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/ - This is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church of England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
https://www.womensaid.org.uk/ - for women and children. This website has a detailed domestic abuse directory of local support agencies. There is also a live chat service for survivors or those who are worried about them.
https://www.survivorsuk.org This website provides a national online helpline, individual and group counselling for boys, men and non-binary people aged 13+ who have experience sexual violence at any time in their lives.
ANI codeword. If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help, ask for an ANI at a pharmacy where the ANI logo is displayed. You will be offered a safe, provate space and the use of a phone to access help.

stgeorgesweald.co.uk