Safeguarding

The Church of England and the Methodist Church are committed to Safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the church.

The Church Council of St Matthew's, Rastrick are in full agreement with and endorses the policies and practice guidance adopted the Church of England.

St Matthew's is committed to the Safeguarding of Young People and Vulnerable Adults. The Ecumenical Church Council has based its policy on the Church of England's policies and best practice on Safeguarding which may be found on the Church of England's website - to access, please click on the Safeguarding tab at the bottom of this page and follow the instructions. St Matthew's policy is updated annually. The Parish Designated Safeguarding Officer is Mrs. Denise Young who can be contacted at church or through the contacts listed below.

To view our Safeguarding Policy Statement and our Procedure for Responding to Safeguarding  Concerns or Allegations  go to our Church website at https://www.stmatthewsrastrick.org/344783961772.htm

We believe that 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. We are committed to:

Promoting a safer environment and culture

Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility

related to children, young people 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 abuse, 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. If there is immediate risk or danger please contact the police on 101.

CONTACTS

Local contacts available to speak to regarding any concerns

Denise Young (Parish Safeguarding Officer).

Tel. 07757 424 475. Email:  see our web page https://www.stmatthewsrastrick.org/344783961772.htm

Vicar :  Revd Michelle Petch

Tel.  01484 710538

Diocesan Safeguarding Team

Tel: 0113 353 0257 ; email:  see our web page https://www.stmatthewsrastrick.org/344783961772.htm

Our Local Authority Social Services is: Calderdale

Safeguarding Children and Young People Multi Agency Screening Team (MAST) Tel: 01422 393336 or if out of hours Emergency Duty Team 01422 288 000

Safeguarding Adults Gateway to Care Tel: 01422 393 000 or if out of hours Emergency Duty Team 01422 288 000

Helplines

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

Family Lives: 0808 800 2222

Childline: 0800 1111

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247

NAPAC: 0808 801 0331

Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900

Action On Elder Abuse: 080 8808 8141

Samaritans: 116 123

For more information see our Website   https://www.stmatthewsrastrick.org/welcome.htm