Keeping Safe

Most of the time at church we are like a big happy family. However, even in very happy families people can have a bad day and even people we know and trust can upset us. We want to help everyone have good days all of the time. We try to make sure that people who have jobs in the church always behave well and in a way that is helpful to you. We never want anyone or anything in church to frighten you, confuse you or worry you. It is important that you tell us if something is upsetting you or if you are feeling worried about something that’s happening or something somebody is doing. We have specially trained people who you can talk to and who you can ask for help. These people are good at safeguarding. This means they look after everyone’s safety. Caring for people is a very important part of our Christian life. 

The people who can help you are: the safeguarding officer for St Francis Pat Ford, on 07847 276585, [email protected]

 or our Parish Safeguarding Officers Kate Esmond and Tina Dixon, who can be contacted at  [email protected] or [email protected] or by phone Kate: 07880555344 or Tina: 01472 231198 (church office).

Alternatively, you can talk to the Lincoln Diocesan Safeguarding Team: 01522 504070 During office hours, to speak to the Duty Safeguarding Professional, please email [email protected]. There is also information on their website about other places where you can get help or advice.

If you have a serious concern about a child or adult at risk you should contact the Police or the Local Authority Safeguarding Team in your area. Please note that you do not need to speak to the local Safeguarding Officer or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team first if the matter is urgent.

What if I have general concerns not connected with the Church, or need help myself?

There are a number of organisations you can get in touch with who can help you. These include:- The Emergency Services (Urgent): 999- Local Police: 101- Childline: 0800 1111- Stop It Now! (NSPCC): 0808 800 5000- Elder Abuse: 0808 808 8141- Domestic Violence: 0808 2000 247

Where can I find more information on the Church of England Safeguarding Policies?

Further details on the Church of England's Safeguarding policies, including Promoting a Safer Church; House of Bishops policy statement (2017) and the Safeguarding E-manual can be found on the Safeguarding page of the Church of England website: https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding

We have a Parish Safeguarding Policy and the PCC have adopted the ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ statement. For a copy of these please contact us.