Safeguarding

- 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