In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy St Michael’s is committed to:
· Promoting a safer environment and culture.
· Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
· Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
· Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
· Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
· Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
safeguarding@stmichaelscoppenhall.co.uk
Our parish Safeguarding officer is Sandra Hough
The Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be contacted at safeguarding@chester.anglican.org or on 01928 718834 (option 4)
Out of Hours Support
The Diocese of Chester partners with thirtyone: eight and you can access their Safeguarding Helpline if the Diocesan Safeguarding Team is unavailable. Thirtyone:eight can be contacted on 0303 003 1111.
This also includes any safeguarding queries outside of office hours on weekdays and weekends. An Information Sharing Agreement between the two organisations will allow the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to receive a copy of the advice thirtyone:eight may offer the caller.
In the case of an emergency
If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police on 999 and/or your local authority Children or Adults Service.
Helplines
– If you are victim/survivor of church based abuse/harm, Safe Spaces 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 in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
Safe Spaces Helpline:
0300 303 1056
Monday to Friday: 09:00-21:00
Saturdays: 09:00-13:00
Sundays: 13:00-17:00
· Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours).
· Parent Line: 0808 800 2222
· National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).
· Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours).
· Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (freephone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)