Promoting a Safe Church
At Js & Bs we aim to create a safe environment where children and young people are nurtured and protected and where all people, especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason, are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety. We work hard to safeguard children and young people, vulnerable adults as well as seeking to support those who find themselves in a difficult relationship.
At our Annual Meeting we reviewed our Church’s Safeguarding Policy Statement and this can be downloaded from the downloads section of this page.
We follow the national legal and procedural framework for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and Church of England policy and practice. Click to view:-
A safer church
We will act promptly on any complaints made and work in close partnership with police and social care services where children or vulnerable adults have been harmed or are at risk of harm or mistreatment. We provide safe recruitment, training and support to our voluntary and paid workers with children and vulnerable adults.
You can read more about how to report a concern or make a complaint by viewing the leaflet ‘You will be listened to’
You will be listened to
To report a concern or to find out more please get i touch with our Safe Guarding offer, Margaret Green via email on safeguarding@jamesbasilfenham.org.uk . (Please note, Clergy and Churchwardens do not have access to this email and your email will only be seen by Margaret).
You can find contact details for our Diocesan Safeguarding team here .
Further support
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing to you and it may add to your hurt by our not being able to immediately assist you. Therefore here are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline:
Phone if you are worried about a child.
0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Child-line:
Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours).
National Domestic Violence Helpline:
Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Samaritans Helpline:
Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
116 123 (open 24 hours).
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline:
080 8808 8141 ( free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
National Rape Crisis Helpline:
0808 802 9999 and is open every day from 12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm.
The National Church of England Safeguarding Team:
safeguarding@churchofengland.org