Our parish of Dunston: St Nicholas w Christ Church is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Durham’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact either:

- the Parish Safeguarding Officer, Kay Westgarth, on 0191 461 1960

- the Parish Priest, Rev'd Hannah Richardson, on 07788 295 437 or [email protected]

(for privacy reasons, please do not phone the office phone number to discuss any safeguarding concerns)

Concerns can also be raised with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Mrs Beth Miller - she can be contacted as follows:

Address: Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RY

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 07968 034075

For further information please also see the Diocese of Durham safeguarding pages: https://durhamdiocese.org/category/safeguarding/)

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and Gateshead’s children or adult social care services:

Gateshead Council
Concerns about children: 433 2653 (office hours) or 477 7033 (out of hours);
Concerns about adults: 433 7033 (24 hours a day)

2024 Safeguarding Policy