Keeping Safe: Safeguarding
Most of the time at church we are like a big happy family. However, even in very happy families people can have a bad day and even people we know and trust can upset us. We want to help everyone have good days all of the time. We try to make sure that people who have jobs in the church always behave well and in a way that is helpful to you. We never want anyone or anything in church to frighten you, confuse you or worry you. It is important that you tell us if something is upsetting you or if you are feeling worried about something that’s happening or something somebody is doing. We have specially trained people who you can talk to and who you can ask for help. These people are good at safeguarding. This means they look after everyone’s safety. Caring for people is a very important part of our Christian life.
WHO CAN HELP ME?
The people who can help you are the Vicar or the Parish Safeguarding Officer. You can contact the Safeguarding Officer, Helen Brooking, at safeguarding@stgeorgeslincoln.org.uk and on our Church Office number 01522 689033; or our Curate, Kath Pickering, who can be contacted on 07980 604412 or by email at kath.curate@stgeorgeslincoln.org.uk
If you would like to speak to someone outside of St. George’s, you can talk to:
- Any of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team whose contact details can be found here.
you can contact the diocesan safeguarding team directly during working hours to report a concern, or for guidance and support: safeguarding@lincoln.anglican.org or 01522 504070
There is also information there about other places you can get help or advice.
St George’s takes seriously the safety and well-being of all those we come into contact with. We will make sure that our church provides a safe environment where children, young people and adults can worship safely and grow in faith. The PCC has adopted all the policies listed on the Diocesan website here.
Here is the link to St. George’s Safeguarding Policy all other St George’s Safeguarding Policy-documents are available to download here as a .zip file. See also our Lone Working Policy.
WHAT IF HELP IS NEEDED URGENTLY?
If you have a serious concern about a child or adult at risk you should contact the Police or the local authority safeguarding team in your area. Please note: you do not need to speak to the either the local Safeguarding Officer or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team first if the matter is urgent.
WHAT IF MY WORRIES ARE NOT CONNECTED WITH THE CHURCH, OR I NEED HELP MYSELF?
There are a number of organisations you can get in touch with who can help you. These include:
- The Emergency Services (Urgent): 999
- Local Police: 101
- Childline: 0800 1111
- Stop It Now! (NSPCC): 0808 800 5000
- Elder Abuse: 0808 808 8141
- Domestic Violence: 0808 2000 247
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND SAFEGUARDING POLICIES?
Further details on the Church of England’s Safeguarding policies, including Protecting All God’s Children (safeguarding policy for children and young people, 4th edition, 2010) and Promoting a Safe Church (safeguarding policy for adults, 2006) can be found on the Safeguarding page of the Church of England here.
The following COVID-19 Risk Assessment documents are now available regarding Church Services, and Funerals and Private Prayer.
