Parish of High Downs

The parish of High Downs is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Canterbury’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

The Parish safeguarding officer is Mark Harlow

Tel. 07979864000  Email: [email protected]

Any child or young person wishing to talk about a problem can contact Childline on 0800 1111 (open 24 hours a day)

Any parent or carer wishing to talk about parenting problems can contact Family Lives on 0808 800 2222 (9am-9pm Mon-Fri: 10am-3pm weekends)

Please Click Here for Canterbury Diocesan Safeguarding Page

Parish safeguarding policies

Our current parish safeguarding policies can be found on the webpages for our sister church of St Mary's Eastling (please follow the links below)

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11982/page/96673/view/

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11982/page/96722/view/

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11982/page/96674/view/

Other telephone numbers:

NSPCC child protection helpline: 0808 800 5000 (11am-6pm Mon-Fri). Phone if you're worried about a child.

Samaritans helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.

Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900 Anonymous and confidential helpline, for anyone with concerns about sexual abuse and its prevention.

National domestic violence helpline: 0808 200 0247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.

Hourglass (Formerly Action on Elder abuse) helpline: 0808 808 8141 (24 hours). Phone if you are worried about an elderly person.

NAPAC: 0808 801 0331 (10am-9pm Mon-Thu: 10am-6pm Fri) Phone if you’re an adult survivor of any form of child abuse