Safeguarding
View our full safeguarding policy
Who is responsible?
The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Church.
Our commitments
- Promoting a safer environment and culture
- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults
- Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
- Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons
- Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
- Responding to those that may pose a present risk
Who to contact
Local contacts available to speak to if you have any concerns:
Name: Paula Wells
Role: safeguarding children lead
Tel: 07969 125771
Email: children@garstangfmc.org.uk
Name: Lois Taylor
Role: safeguarding youth lead
Email: youth@garstangfmc.org.uk
Name: Martha Woodward
Role: safeguarding adults lead
Email: lifegroups@garstangfmc.org.uk
Name: Sharon Henriques
Role: safeguarding seniors lead
Email: seniors@garstangfmc.org.uk
Volunteering with under 18s
Leaders:
- Be committed to attend training (this is provided in-house annually)
- Have a valid DBS through the church office
- Completed a self-declaration form
- Be a church member in good standing for more than 3 years OR completed a reference request form
- Have read and be aware of GFM's Safeguarding Policy and procedures
- Had a meeting with the appropriate leader of the group they want to volunteer with
Helpers:
- Be committed to attending training (this is provided in-house annually)
- Some helpers may need a DBS
- Have completed a helper’s form (Junior helpers)
- Have read and be aware of GFM’s Safeguarding Policy and procedures
- Had a meeting with the appropriate leader of the group they want to volunteer with
Volunteering with over 18s
- Have read and be aware of GFM's Safeguarding Policy and procedures
- Some volunteers will need: DBS / training / relevant paperwork
Finding Support
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the church. Below is a list 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Stop it Now: 0808 100 0900
• NAPAC: 0808 801 0331
• Family Lives: 0808 800 2222
• ThirtyoneEight: 0303 003 1111
• Local Authority Services: Office hours - 01524 066 246, Emergency - 0845 602 104
