Safeguarding


St Michael's Church works hard to safeguard children and young people, vulnerable adults and those in abusive relationships. We aim to create safe environments, where children and young people are nurtured and protected; and where all people, and especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason, are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety.

We follow the national legal and procedural framework for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and Church of England policy and practice.

We act promptly on any complaints made, and work in close partnership with police and social care services where children or vulnerable adults have been harmed or are at risk of harm or mistreatment.

We provide safe recruitment, training and support to our voluntary workers with children and vulnerable adults. 

We care for those who have been abused in the past, and minister appropriately to those who have abused. 

Reporting abuse and finding support 

If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.

If you wish to report any safeguarding concerns directly to the NST please email safeguarding@churchofengland.org. We will ensure that any concerns are referred to the relevant diocese and/or statutory agency, as appropriate.

Finding support

We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing to you and it may add to your hurt by our not being able to immediately assist you. Therefore here are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services.

If you have a concern and need to make contact about a safeguarding issue, please contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (see below).

If you need to make urgent contact outside of office hours contact 3:18 (formerly CCPAS) on 0303 003 1111.

The Parish Safeguarding Officer for Children is Marjorie Critch-Higham (email mc-h@sky.com )

The Parish Safeguarding Officer for Young Adults and Vulnerable Adults is Fiona Heppleston (m: 07751741832 e: fionaheppleston@yahoo.co.uk )

The Diocesean Safeguarding Officer  is Abbey Clephane-Wilson Mobile 07436 589606 Office 0161 828 1451

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline:0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours).

Phone if you are worried about a child.  

Childline 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)

The Parish Safeguarding Handbook March 2019 can be downloaded here:

https://cofemanchester.contentfiles.net/media/documents/document/2019/06/Parish_Safeguarding_Handbook_March_2019.pdf

Further information may be found on the Diocesan Safeguarding pages at https://www.manchester.anglican.org/safeguarding.

 

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