St Mary Without-the-Walls is situated in Handbridge, south of the River Dee, in the historic city of Chester. The present church was built in 1887 to replace the original St Mary’s On-the-Hill, now a heritage centre within the city walls.
St Mary's is only usually open for visitors/private prayer on Tuesdays 10-12, Wednesdays 10-12 and Thursdays 10:45 - 12:00.
We hope that you can find the information you are looking for on our website: www.stmaryschester.co.uk where you will find out about our church community, when our services are, what we do in them, and what kinds of things we do together.
Alternatively you may need to talk with someone at church about something specific like a wedding or a baptism, or you may be bereaved or otherwise distressed and need someone to help. Whatever your issue, we are here to offer help and support. Please make contact through the Parish Office (01244 671202); [email protected]
Safeguarding at St Mary’s
At St Mary’s Church, Handbridge we work hard to maintain a safe environment for all. We are committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance.
If you have any concerns or enquiries regarding safeguarding, please contact our safeguarding officer.
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Sue Fryer
Email: [email protected] Phone: 07754 894748
The Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be contacted at [email protected] or on 01928 718834 (option 4)
The link to the Diocese of Chester’s safeguarding website page is as follows:
https://www.chesterdiocese.org/safeguarding
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 - this also includes any safeguarding queries outside of office hours on weekdays and weekends. Thirtyone:eight can be contacted on 0303 003 1111. 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
Safe Spaces England and Wales - 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.
Email: [email protected]
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 Abuse 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)