The parish of St Paul’s Scotforth has 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 by clicking here.
We also display the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our Church and its buildings. This is in the entrance to the Church, the main entrance to the Parish Hall and on the noticeboard at St Paul’s, Hala. This poster has the relevant phone numbers and contact details for relevant personnel.
All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment and received safeguarding training.
Reporting a concern
If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999.
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of the local Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) in the first instance.
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Jayne Weatherill:
She is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult.
You can contact Jayne on 07986993007 or by email.
The PSO can seek further advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team as necessary.
Concerns can also be raised directly with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
Safeguarding Team Contact Details:
General Safeguarding Team
Contact: 01254 503088 or email.
Cath Smith, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Contact: 07711 485170 or 01254 503415 or email.
Sophie Booth, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Contact: 07468971759 or email.
Andrea Richards, Safeguarding Trainer
Contact: 07484073146 or email.
Claudia Aspey, Safeguarding Administrator
Contact: 01254 503088 or email.
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.
Finding Support:
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.
If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You can contact Safe Spaces by telephone: 0300 303 1056 or for further information you can visit their website by clicking here.
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).
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).
