Safety and Safeguarding

Christian communities should be places where all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse of all kinds. We are committed to encouraging an environment in which all people, especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason, are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement in safety. Our Relevant documents on insuring that this happens can be found on this page

St. Ambrose Church Leyland

Promoting a Safe Church

Christian communities should be places where all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse of all kinds.

This church is committed to encouraging an environment in which all people, especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason, are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement in safety.

To this end St Ambrose Church have adopted the House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, incorporating the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.

A copy of this, and all the information below can be found here: cofe-policy-statement.pdf (churchofengland.org)

Copies of our policies: ‘A Policy for Safeguarding Children and Young People’ and the ‘Parish Policy Statement on Safeguarding Adults in the Church’ are kept in the church office. A full copy of all the Safeguarding policies, guidance and statements is also retained in a folder at the back of the church. They are also available on our website www.stambrose.info

We also display the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church. This is in the entrance hall to Church along with relevant phone numbers and contact details.

All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment and received safeguarding training.

We welcome children and want them to be safe when they are on Church premises or attending a church run event.

Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Officer is:

Mrs. Anne (Ollie) Woodcock

She can be contacted at:

01772 456557 or 07725 812093 or (dedicated 07902 910071)

keithandollie@gmail.com

Safeguarding is everyone’s business.

Reporting a concern: If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999

If you have any concerns about a child/young person/adult’s welfare please contact the Safeguarding Officer or the Vicar: Rev Paul Robinson

He can be contacted on The Parish Mobile: 07706 028039

Email: paulrobinson407@gmail.com

The PSO and Vicar can seek advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Their contact details are below:

The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (Catherine Smith)

01254 503070 or 07711 485 170

Catherine.smith@blackburn.anglican.org

safeguarding@blackburn.anglican.org Tel: 01254 503088

Assistant DSA, Sophie Booth : Sophie.booth@blackburn.anglican.org 07468971759

Safeguarding Trainer, Andrea Richards: Andrea.richards@blackburn.anglican.org 07484073146

Safeguarding Administrator, Claudia Aspey: Claudia.aspey@blackburn.anglican.org 01254 503088

Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Office Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE

Safeguarding concerns in a school/university/prison/healthcare setting should be raised with the relevant organisation's Safeguarding team.

Finding support

We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the church directly. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

Thirty One: Eight: 0303 003 1111 (out of hours and weekend safeguarding advice)

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.

Safe Spaces UK Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal, and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales. 03003031056 (lines open Monday to Friday 9AM - 9PM, Saturday 9AM - 1PM, Sunday 1PM - 5PM website:https://safespacesenglandandwales.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).

In an emergency contact the Police or the Local Social Care Office

St Ambrose Website Child Protection Statement

1.23 MBSt Ambrose Website Child Protection Statement

Safeguarding and Child Protection

We take Safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults very seriously at St Ambrose. If you are going to use the halls with children, young people or vulnerable adults you will be required to sign our Hirer’s agreement. It can be found at Appendix 2 to our Safeguarding document (on page 35) which is below.

Health and Safety Policy

Our Health and Safety Policy Updated 26^th January 2025