Parish Safeguarding Information

Parish Policy Statement on Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk

The following statement is reviewed and agreed each year at the first PCC meeting after the Annual General Meeting.

Every person has a value and dignity, which comes directly from the creation of people in God’s image. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

  • We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and adults at risk.
  • We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.
  • We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working with children or adults at risk.
  • We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or adult at risk may have been harmed, cooperating fully in any investigation.
  • We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
  • We will seek to offer pastoral care to anyone who has suffered abuse.
  • We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult at risk.

Safeguarding Officer

Catherine Okrafo-Smart

Catherine can be reached by post:

c/o All Saints’ Church
Church Walk, Child’s Hill
London, NW2 2TJ

or by email to:

safeguardingofficer@allsaintschildshill.com

Children’s Champion

Heidi Bradshaw

Heidi can be reached by post:

c/o All Saints’ Church
Church Walk, Child’s Hill
London, NW2 2TJ

or by email to:

childrenchampion@allsaintschildshill.com

Reporting abuse and finding support

If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call the emergency services on 999.
Do not delay.

Finding support

In addition to our own Safeguarding team, you may be interested in contacting the following:

The Diocese of London Safeguarding Team

Diocese Safeguarding Team Website

Diocese of London Safeguarding Team can be contacted during office hours, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm via: Email: safeguarding@london.anglican.org  Telephone: 020 7932 1224 or 0ut of hours advice can be sought from the Thirtyone:eight helpline on 0303 003 1111, selecting option 2.

The Church of England National Safeguarding Team

National Safeguarding Team Website

Other agencies which offer support

We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing to you and it may add to your hurt by our not being able to immediately assist you. Therefore here are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline

0808 800 5000

Lines free and open 24 hours
Phone if you are worried about a child.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk

National Domestic Violence Helpline

0808 2000 247

Lines free and open 24 hours
Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
https://www.womensaid.org.uk

Action on Elder Abuse Helpline

080 8808 8141

Free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm
https://www.elderabuse.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.
https://www.childline.org.uk/

Samaritans Helpline

116 123

Open 24 hours
Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
https://www.samaritans.org