Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is David Holmes and can be contacted on:
Telephone: 07949412780
Email: david20holmes@gmail.com
Promoting a Safer Church
St Thomas Garstang has adopted the House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, incorporating the House of Bishop’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.
A copy of this, and all the information below can be found here: cofe-policy-statement.pdf (churchofengland.org)
Our PCC has formally adopted this and signed the Safeguarding Policy Statement Promoting a Safer Church.
We have also displayed the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church. This is in the entrance hall to Church along with relevant phone numbers and contact details.
All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment, received safeguarding training and support.
Reporting a concern
If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer(s) (PSO) in the first instance.
David Holmes, Parish Safeguarding Officer
Telephone: 07949412780
Email: david20holmes@gmail.com
The PSO can seek further advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team as necessary. Concerns can also be raised directly with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
Safeguarding Team Contact Details
Tel: 01254 503088
Assistant DSA, Sophie Booth
Sophie.booth@blackburn.anglican.org 07468971759
DSA, Catherine Smith,
Catherine.smith@blackburn.anglican.org 07711485170
Safeguarding Trainer, Andrea Richards
Andrea.richards@blackburn.anglican.org 07484073146
Safeguarding Administrator, Claudia Aspey
Claudia.aspey@blackburn.anglican.org 01254 503088
Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Office Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE
Safeguarding concerns in a school/university/prison/healthcare setting should be raised with the relevant organisation’s Safeguarding team.
Finding support
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the church directly. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
Thirty One: Eight: 0303 003 1111 (out of hours and weekend safeguarding advice)
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).
