Safeguarding

What to do if you have any safeguarding concerns regarding children and vulnerable adults in our churches & other information about safeguarding

The parish churches of Creech St. Michael, Ruishton and Thornfalcon take seriously their responsibility for the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerabe adults and follow the safeguarding policies of the Church of England and the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

If you should have any safeguarding concerns in connection with our churches please feel free to contact either the Rector or our Safeguarding Officer, Liz Evans both of whom may be contacted on via the Benefice office on 01823 444793.

Where there is immediate risk to a child, young person or vulnerable adult you should contact the Police on 999 or 111 or the Local Authority Social Care Service on 0300 123 2224 (out of hours 0300 123 23 27 (children) / 01823 368244 (Adults and Mental Health).

The Safeguarding Advisor at The Diocese of Bath & Wells is  Ben Goodhind who can be contacted as follows: 

  • Online reporting form –  It is important when receiving a referral for us to have as much information as possible. As such the most effective way to report a concern is via this route. You will receive a response to a new urgent referral within 24 hours. 
  • Out of Hours reporting – 01749 588917 (Ben Goodhind Safeguarding Manager) If you need urgent support relating to a safeguarding referral that can't wait until office hours please use the online reporting form to provide details of your referral and leave a voicemail on the out of hours voicemail. Ben or one of the team will be in touch when he is next available. This is not monitored 24 hours a day and we can’t guarantee a response. Any emergency should be reported to the Police or social services via the details below. Please do not use out of hours for general enquiries.
  • Contact the team directly.
  • Reporting confidentially – There may be occasions when you do not feel able to provide your personal details with a safeguarding concern. In this instance, you can write to Ben Goodhind, Safeguarding Manager, Diocese of Bath and Wells, Flourish House, Wells BA5 1FD.

What happens next?

Further information can be found via the following links:

Please click here to view the Benefice policies relating to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Promoting a Safer Church - Church of England Safeguarding Policy 

Church of England Safeguarding Handbook

The following organisations provide support for those suffering abuse.

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: 0808 808 8141 ( free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)

 

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