Safeguarding

St John's is commited to effectively safeguarding all of our ministries in order to minimise the chance that a person who attends our church might experience some form of abuse, and to maintain a safe environment for all. We are also committed to provided clear and effective means of disclosing abuse.

Our safeguarding policy is reviewed by the PCC every year.

All of our children's work volunteers and those who work with vulnerable adults have undergone the required safeguarding training provided by the Diocese of Chester and have valid DBS certificates.

The PCC have adopted the House of Bishops 'Promoting a Safer Church' safeguarding policy statement which can be found here.

Our Safeguarding policy falls under the Diocese of Chester policy, which can be found at https://www.chesterdiocese.org/safeguarding

If you need any further information, advice, or have concerns about the behaviour of somebody at church you can speak to our Parish Safeguarding Officers:

 Sarah McClellan - Parish Safeguarding Officer

Email:  (please don't email disclosures but request help and Sarah will respond.)

Vacant post - Deputy Parish Safeguarding Officer

Email: (please don't email disclosures but request help and the admin team will respond.)

Alternatively, you can contact the Chester Diocese's Safeguarding Team.

Diocesian Safeguarding Team

 Email:

Tel: 01928 718834 (option 4)

Out of hours support

The Diocese of Chester partners with Thirtyone:eight and you can access their Safeguarding Helpline if the Diocesan Safeguarding Team is unavailable - this also includes any safeguarding queries outside of office hours on weekdays and weekends. Thirtyone:eight can be contacted on 0303 003 1111

If you believe it is an emergency and a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger please contact the police on 999 and/or your local authority Children or Adults Service

Helplines

Safe Spaces England and Wales - Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.

Email:

Safe Spaces Helpline: 0300 303 1056

Monday to Friday:  09:00 - 21:00

Saturdays:  09:00 - 13:00

Sundays:  13:00 - 17:00

Child-line:  0800 1111 (lines free and a open 24hrs)

Parent Line:  0808 800 2222

National Domestic Abuse Helpline:  0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24hrs)

Samaritans Helpline:  116 123 (open 24hrs)

Action on Elder Abuse Helpline:  080 8808 8141 (freephone Monday to Friday 9-5pm