Safeguarding

Safeguarding Policy

T he care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.

Safeguarding is an integral part of the mission and ministry of the church in this diocese and is in line with the diocese Growing in God strategy. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

It is our policy to:

• Promote a safer environment and culture
• Safely recruit and support all those with any responsibility relating those groups who are at increased risk of harm or abuse within the church
• Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
• Care pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
• Care pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
• Respond to those who may pose a present risk to others
• In order to fulfil the above policy the diocese provides facilities to complete online DBS applications and to provide appropriate levels of safeguarding training in order to raise awareness and create an atmosphere of ‘informed vigilance’.

The Waterfront Churches Benefice of St Helen’s, Holy Trinity & St Luke’s is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Safeguarding Officer. Our Diocese of St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer who advises our parish Safeguarding Officer.

IF A CHILD OR ADULT IS AT RISK OF IMMEDIATE HARM CALL 999 NOW!

If you would like to speak to someone within the church please contact:
Revd Susan on 01473 717412 (email – revsusan@ipswichwaterfrontchurches.co.uk)
or Karen Galloway the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer on 07785 621319 (email -safeguarding@cofesuffolk.org)

Alternatively, do contact:
NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 
or
Childline on 0800 1111

Further information can be found on the diocesan website Promoting a safer church – Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

For more information please visit http://www.cofesuffolk.org/safeguarding