St Mary's

Safe Guarding Policy

At St Mary’s, Rawtenstall we work hard to maintain a safe environment for all. We are committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance.

If you have any concerns or enquiries regarding safeguarding, please contact our safeguarding officer.

• Parish Safeguarding Officer: Vicky Rhodes
• Phone: 01254 389589

A hard copy of the ‘Manchester Diocese Safeguarding Handbook’ and the ‘Church of England – Parish Safeguarding Handbook’ are available for inspection in the vestry at St Mary’s.

The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is Abbey Clephane-Wilson, she can be contacted at

• Email: safeguarding@manchester.anglican.org
• Phone: 0161 828 1465
• Mobile: 07384 460958

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.

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. Lancashire County Council on 0300 123 6720 or outside of working hours 0300 123 6722

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 (freephone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)