Safeguarding
Safeguarding is part of our core faith and an integral feature of Christian life in our church.
LPC is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of children and adults at risk of harm within our church community, and also to encouraging an environment where all people and especially those who may be vulnerable are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
but it is overseen here by:
Joe Moore or Richard Price: Churchwardens
joe@leatherheadparish.com or richard@leatherheadparish.com
George Corder: Parish Safeguarding Officer
Contactable on safeguarding@leatherheadparish.com
Jenny Hart-Donald: PCC Safeguarding Lead
Contactable on safeguarding@leatherheadparish.com
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisors
Contactable on 01483 790379 or safeguarding@cofeguildford.org.uk
Safeguarding matters will be forwarded to the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, (or the police if immediate action is required) and we will follow the advice given.
Safeguarding Children.
The safeguarding of children and young people is a high priority for us as a church. All paid staff and volunteers for our children’s groups have a full DBS check and receive regular safeguarding training to ensure they understand their roles, how they are to act with the children and what to do if they have concerns.
Safeguarding Adults.
We seek to visit and support any in our congregation for whom a friendly face and extra support may be valued. Our Pastoral Assistant has a full DBS check and has undertaken appropriate safeguarding training courses.
Download Our Parish Safeguarding Policy
If you are concerned that a child or an adult is, or may be, at risk of abuse this should be reported immediately (and certainly within 24 hours) to the Church Safeguarding Officer or the clergy listed above.
If it is a non-emergency situation you can report this either in person to the Safeguarding Officer or by telephone, and they will then contact the Diocese Safeguarding Officer and ensure that we respond appropriately.
If it is an Emergency situation, and you believe the child or adult is in immediate danger of significant harm, then you should call 999 before reporting it to the Safeguarding Officer.
Reporting A Safeguarding Concern.
Other Sources Of Support.
If you would prefer to speak to someone outside of the church the following helplines and organisation can offer assistance.
-
NSPCC for adults concerned about a child – 0808 800 5000
Childline for children and young people – 0800 1111
Action on Elder Abuse helpline – 0808 808 8141
24-hour National Domestic Violence helpline – 0808 2000 247
NAPAC offers support and advice to adult survivors of childhood abuse – 08088010331
Stop It Now helps prevent child sexual abuse – 0808 1000 900
Cruse bereavement helpline – 0808 808 1677
Family Lives provides support and advice on family issues – 0808 800 222
MACSAS for people who have been abused by church officers – 0808 801 0340
Samaritans for people struggling to cope and needing someone to talk to – 116 123
-
Survivors Trust – thesurvivorstrust.org
Safeline – www.safeline.org.uk/what-can-friends-and-family-members-do-tosupport-survivors-of-sexual-abuse
SupportLine – www.supportline.org.uk/problems/rape_sexual-assault.php
Victim Support – www.victimsupport.org.uk/crime-info/types-crime/childhood-abuse
-
East Surrey Domestic Abuse- https://www.esdas.org.uk/
Refuge (National Abuse helpline) https://refuge.org.uk/
0808 2000 247 (24/7)