Parish Safeguarding Officer for vulnerable adults: 

Nigel Baldwin

Phone: 01282 455180 

Email: [email protected]

Parish Safeguarding Officer for children and young people:

 Mandi Vercoe

Phone: 07780684262

Email: [email protected] 

Safeguarding Policy & Procedure 

St Matthew’s has regularly updated safeguarding policies and procedures and we are happy to share these documents along with activity risk assessments upon request. We follow guidance from the House of Bishops and the Church of England Safeguarding Team. 

We also display the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church. This is in the entrance hall to Church 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 St Matthew’s parish should be brought to the attention of our local Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSOs) - see contact details above. 

The PSOs 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 protected]

Tel: 01254 503088

Assistant DSA, Sophie Booth [email protected] 07468971759

DSA, Catherine Smith, [email protected] 07711485170

Safeguarding Trainer, Andrea Richards [email protected] 07484073146

Safeguarding Administrator, Claudia Aspey [email protected] 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

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).