Safeguarding
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.
- 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
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: Andrew Tissingh
Role: safeguarding youth lead
Tel: 07960 156879
Email: youth@garstangfmc.org.uk
Name: Helen Sowerby
Role: safeguarding adults lead
Email: lifegroups@garstangfmc.org.uk
Name: Sharon Henriques
Role: safeguarding seniors lead
Email: seniors@garstangfmc.org.uk
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
- Have read and be aware of GFM's Safeguarding Policy and procedures
- Some volunteers will need: DBS / training / relevant paperwork
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
