A SAFER CHURCH: House of Bishops Safeguarding Policy for young people and adults.

Here at St Thomas' the care and protection of Children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Church.

Our Commitments: Promoting a safer environment and culture / Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults / Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation / Caring pastorally for victims, survivors of abuse or other affected persons / Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns, allegations of abuse and other affected persons / Responding to those that may pose a present risk.

If you are Concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Adviser, or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.

Local contacts available to speak to if you have any concerns:

Parish Safeguarding officer - Mrs Rowena Platt, tel: 07562347667

Team Rector and Parish Priest - Revd Peter Bennett, tel: 07710 533439

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser - Abbey Clephane-Wilson, tel: 0161 828 1451/email: [email protected]

Out of Hours Support

The Diocese of Manchester partners with thirtyone:eight and you can access their Safeguarding Helpline if the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is unavailable. Thirtyone:eight can be contacted on 0303 003 1111.

This also includes any safeguarding queries outside of office hours on weekdays and weekends. 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.

Local Authority Social Services - 0161 794 8888

HELPLINES:

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours).

Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours)

Parent Line: 0808 800 2222

National Domestic Violence 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 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)

In the case of an emergency-If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Service.