PARISH OF SEAHAM HARBOUR & DAWDONSt Johns Seaham Harbour: All Saints Deneside: St Mary the Virgin, SeahamA FORWARD IN FAITH PARISH IN THE DIOCESE OF DURHAM PART OF THE SOCIETY OF ST WILFRID & ST HILDA IN THE EPISCOPAL CARE OF THE BISHOP OF BEVERLEYSAFEGUARDINGSeaham & Dawson Parish is proud to be a part of the Diocese of Durham in the Church of England, whose Archbishops, Bishops, clergy and leaders are absolutely committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the ChurchSafeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practise across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play.The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ’s Ministry towards children, young people and adults: to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help them safe from harm.Although safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone here at Seaham and Dawdon Parish; Mr Tony Bentley is the Benefice Safeguarding Lead and Safeguarding Officer at St Mary’s Church he can be contacted about any safeguarding matter on 07500003444 and at St Johns Church and All Saints Safeguarding Officer Miss A Readman who can be contacted on 0191 3665496 or leave n email via rev.pkennedy@sky.com.The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor is Beth Miller who can be contacted on 07968034075 Beth.miller@durham.anglican.org.ukIf there is immediate risk or danger, please contact the police on 999.Two very useful links:More information on the Church of England’s National Safeguarding can be found here:www.churchofengland.org/safeguardingmore information about safeguarding in the Diocese of Durham can be found here:https://dioceseofdurham.org.uk/safeguarding