Our parish of Sandylands St John is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm.
St Johns, Sandylands have adopted the
House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church’
policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook,
incorporating the House of Bishop’s
Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.
A copy of this, and all the information below
can be found here:
cofe-policy-statement.pdf (churchofengland.org)
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 a parish should be brought
to the attention of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team
Safeguarding Team Contact Details
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01254 503088
DSA, Catherine Smith, [email protected]
07711 485170
Assistant DSA, Sophie Booth [email protected]
07468 971759
Safeguarding Trainer, Andrea Richards [email protected]
07484 073146
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 organisations 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).

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