SAFEGUARDING

At St Mary's Church, we are committed to keeping people safe.

We work within the safeguarding guidelines of the Diocese of Newcastle and the Church of England, adopting the National Safeguarding Policy Promoting a Safer Church. Our own safeguarding policy can be viewed here. All of our members who work with children / young people or vulnerable adults are required to complete a confidential declaration, have references, a DBS check where appropriate, and attend safeguarding training provided by Newcastle Diocese.

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Our Parish 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’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 is at risk of harm, do not hesitate to contact us for advice and support.

Within St Mary's Church, you may contact our Priest in Charge or Parish Safeguarding Officer:

VICAR - Rev'd Malcolm Hall

​T: 07833 497 208

E: [email protected]

​PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER - Natalie Roe

​T: 07734729620

E: [email protected]

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Alternatively, you may wish to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Jill Thirlaway

​T: 

E: [email protected]

​Please find below contact details of organisations outside of the church who can help

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NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Call if you are worried about a child

Childline: 0800 111

Call if you are a child or young person and worried about anything

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse

Samaritans Helpline: 116 123

Call if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to

Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141

For further information please visit Diocese of Newcastle

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Please visit The Church of England's National Safeguarding page for more information