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 Church Policy

Ascension is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and to creating a safe place for everyone to worship and grow in Christ. Concerns about children, young people and adults at risk will be diligently and promptly responded to according to our procedures, recognising the sensitivity it may hold for those involved.

The diocese policy ‘A Safe Church’ can be found at the following link:
https://southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/diocesan-policies-and-procedures

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy, our church is 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 within the church

  • responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation

  • caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons

  • caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons

  • responding to those who may pose a present risk to others

The parish will:

  • create a safe and caring place for all, including in the church’s online space

  • have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the Incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures

  • safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse

  • ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish

  • display on church premises and on the parish website the details of whom to contact with safeguarding concerns or support needs

  • listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse

  • take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops’ guidance, including immediately notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies

  • offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred

  • care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties

  • ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually

  • review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practice at least annually

Each person who works within this church community has agreed to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

Contacts

ASCENSION CONTACTS

Our Parish Safeguarding Officers are the first people to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or adult at risk:

Tim Aikens and Joanna Cox – Parish Safeguarding Officers
safeguarding@ascensionbalham.org

Our Church Wardens also provide a local point of contact:

David Archer and Tim Alexander-Dann – Ascension Church Wardens
tim.alexander-dann@ascensionbalham.org

DIOCESE CONTACTS

If you would prefer to talk to someone outside the local church:

Marie Daly – Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Email Mary Daly
020 7939 9441, mobile 07946 255295

Louise Vernon – Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Email Louise Vernon
020 7939 9462, mobile 07946 255622

NATIONAL CONTACTS

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline
0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child. www.nspcc.org.uk

Childline
0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything. www.childline.org.uk

National Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse. www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Samaritans Helpline
116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to. www.samaritans.org

Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327 (Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm). A confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence and those supporting them. www.mensadviceline.org.uk

Galop LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
0800 999 5428 (Monday to Friday, 10am–5pm). Supporting all LGBT+ people who've experienced hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence. www.galop.org.uk

Karma Nirvana
0800 5999 247 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm). Supporting victims of honour based abuse and forced marriage. www.karmanirvana.org.uk

The Respect Phoneline
0808 8024040 (free phone Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm). Provides confidential advice and support to help perpetrators stop being violent and abusive. respectphoneline.org.uk

Action on Elder Abuse Helpline
080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm). Provides advice and support to victims and others who are concerned about or have witnessed Elder abuse. www.thenationalcareline.org

Hour Glass
0808 808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm). Challenging the abuse of older people in all its forms. www.wearehourglass.org