As part of The Diocese of Southwark, St Andrew’s Church is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. St Andrew’s takes its safeguarding policy very seriously, and by following correct procedures and policies laid out by the Southwark Diocese’s ‘A Safe Church’ manual, seeks to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all.
The latest version of ‘A Safe Church’ can be read or downloaded here. A hard copy can also be found on the shelf on the left hand side on entering the church.
If you have any concerns, please contact our Safeguarding Officers:
Melanie Calver 07810 387544
Patti Thomas-Verweij 07860 938839
or our Churchwardens:
Mary McGregor, Bruce Buckingham.
Details of all Deanery, local and St Andrew’s contacts are on display at the back of the church and in St Andrew’s Hall.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy, St Andrew’s is committed to:
- Promoting a safer environment and culture
- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church
- Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
- Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
- Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
- Responding to those who may pose a present risk to others
All forms of domestic abuse and wrong and must stop. We are committed to promoting and supporting environments which:
- Ensure that all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse
- Protect those vulnerable to domestic abuse from actual or potential harm
- Recognise equality amongst people and within relationships
- Enable and encourage concerns to be raised and responded to appropriately and consistently
More information on Safeguarding on the Southwark Diocese website can be found here: http://southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/
Other useful contacts:
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).
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers:
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, 020 7939 9423
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers:
Marie Daly marie.daly@southwark.anglican.org 020 7939 9441 Mobile 07946 255295
Louise Vernon louise.vernon@southwark.anglican.org 020 7939 9462 Mobile 07946 255622
