At St. John’s 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 Parish Safeguarding Officer, Margaret Papworth (via [email protected] or 07803 242783). The Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be contacted at [email protected] or on 01928 718834 (option 4).

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.

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.

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] or call the Safe Spaces Helpline: 0300 303 1056 (Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 21:00, Saturdays: 09:00 – 13:00, Sundays: 13:00 – 17:00).
Other helplines include:
- 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)

Diocese of Chester Safeguarding page