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Safeguarding

At The Church of the Good Shepherd we take the safeguarding and care of children* and vulnerable adults‡ very seriously.

We affirm the ‘whole church’ approach to safeguarding. The Good News speaks of welcome for all into a community where the value and dignity of every human being is central. Being faithful to our call to share the gospel will compel us to take with the utmost seriousness the challenge of preventing abuse from happening and responding well where it has. We have adopted the Church of England policies and best practices† We strive to create and maintain environments that are safer for all, that promote well-being, that prevent abuse, and that create nurturing, caring conditions for all by training, support and governance.

*those under 18
‡those who are aged 18 or over whose ability to protect themselves from violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation is significantly impaired through physical or mental disability or illness, old age, emotional fragility or distress, or otherwise
https://southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/diocesan-policies-and-procedures

If a child or vulnerable adult needs immediate medical help, call emergency services on 999 and ensure that those who respond are informed of any protection concerns.

If it would be dangerous for the child or vulnerable adult to return home, he or she does not want to return home and you are sufficiently concerned for their safety, contact the London Borough of Sutton 24 hour Emergency Children and Adults Services on 020 8770 5000 or the Police.

If you observe a child or vulnerable adult being harmed or at risk of harm by someone other than a family member, you should inform the parents or carers immediately and work with them on appropriate referral to Police or Social Care.

If you are not sure but have concerns then please talk to either the Parish Safeguarding Officers or the Church Wardens or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, see below. There are also useful informative helplines below
Contact details of the Parish Safeguarding Officers and Church Wardens

Parish Safeguarding Officers:

Janet Davis and Janet Hill

Email: safeguarding@goodshepherdcarshalton.org or via
office@goodshepherdcarshalton.org

Church Wardens:

Anthony Thompson and Mark Crompton

Email:  via office@goodshepherdcarshalton.org

Diocesan Safeguarding Team:

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser:
Hugh Constant: 020 7939 9423 Mobile: 07982 279713

Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers:
Marie Daly: 020 7939 9441 Mobile 07946 255295
Louise Vernon: 020 7939 9462 Mobile 07946 255622

Diocesan Safeguarding Team out of hours: 020 3874 6743

Where to get help with child and vulnerable adult safeguarding issues:

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

Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.

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

The Respect free Phoneline: 0808 802 4040, provides confidential advice and support to help perpetrators stop being violent and abusive.

Men’s Advice line: 0808 801 0327, a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence and those supporting them www.mensadviceline.org.uk

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

Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).

Hour glass: 0808 808 8141 challenging the abuse of older people in all its forms www.wearehourglass.org

Please click on these links for our policies:


Safeguarding Policy

Policy for Responding to Domestic Abuse

Recruitment of ex-Offenders Policy Statement

Anti-Slavery Statement