SAFEGUARDING

The Church of St. Margaret of the Parish of Great Barr is committed to Safeguarding and have adopted the National and Diocesan Safeguarding Policies.  Our Safeguarding Coordinator is Mrs Brenda Hatfield and can be contacted on 0121 357 1313

The parish of Great Barr: St Margaret is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Lichfield’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

If you have concerns about possible abuse (including allegations):

1. In an emergency, respond immediately.
2. Consult the person to whom you are responsible.
3. Decide together whether to seek advice or to make an immediate referral.
4. Keep a record of what happened, your concerns and your actions.
5. Tell your minister and/or safeguarding co-ordinator.
6. Only tell others who need to know.

A child, young person or adult wishes to disclose they have been
abused:

1. Listen. Keep listening. Do not question or investigate. Do not promise confidentiality; tell them we need to share this. Assure them they are not to blame.
2. Tell them what you are going to do and that they will be told what happens.
3. Make careful notes of what is said, record dates, times, events and when you are told.
4. Report it to the person to whom you are responsible and your minister or safeguarding co-ordinator.
5. Only tell those who need to know.
6. If a child is in imminent danger report to the Police or Social Service.

Things to remember

• Treat everyone with respect, setting a positive example for others.
• Respect personal space and privacy.
• Ensure another adult is present or within sight or hearing of any activity.
• Ensure any actions cannot be misinterpreted by someone else.
• Challenge unacceptable behaviour.
• Do not put anyone, including yourself, in a vulnerable or compromising situation.
• Do not have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others.
• You must not keep allegations or suspected abuse secret

NSPCC - 0808 800 5000, www.nspcc.org.uk

Stop It Now - 0808 1000 900, www.stopitnow.org.uk

Childline - 0800 1111

Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse - Survivors - 08088 010340, www.macsas.org.uk
Thirty One:Eight (formerly CCPAS)
PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent BR8 7UQ
0303 003 11 11, www.thirtyoneeight.org

Domestic Violence Support Refuge/Women’s Aid:                                                                                 www.womensaid.org.uk;helpline@womensaid.org.uk 

Samaritans - Counselling for those in despair or suicidal - 116123, jo@samaritans.org

Victim Supportline - 0808 168 9293 , www.victimsupport.org.uk

NAPAC – National Assoc. for People Abused in Childhood
  0808 801 0331, www.napac.org.uk

National Domestic Violence Helpline -0808 2000 247

Elder Abuse Helpline - 080 8808 8141

Family Lives Helpline - 0808 800 2222

RESPECT Men’s Advice Line - 0808 801 0327

Diocesan safeguarding officers

Neil Spiring
Head of Diocesan Safeguarding
Reg Social Worker (SWE 39995)
T: 01543 306147
E: neil.spiring@lichfield.anglican.org

Peter Hurd
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Registered Social Worker (SWE 113321)
T: 01543 221105
E: peter.hurd@lichfield.anglican.org

Kim Hodgkins
Diocesan Safeguarding Officer
T: 01543 306099
E: kim.hodgkins@lichfield.anglican.org

For out of hours emergency support please call 0303 003 1111 (option 2). If a child or adult is injured or in immediate danger please call the police on 999. Should you require further information see the Lichfield Diocesan website: www.lichfield.anglican.org/safeguarding

 To visit the diocesan safeguarding website click here