Our Interim Parish Safeguarding Officer is Catherine Smith and can be contacted on 01254 503088 or [email protected]

Promoting a Safer Church

St Oswald's Church Knuzden have adopted the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.

We also display the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church and hall. This is in the entrance hall to Church and the Hall along with relevant phone numbers and contact details.

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 our Interim Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) in the first instance.

Catherine Smith 01254 503088 or [email protected]

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

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 01254 503088

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. Contact SafeSpaces

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).