Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
The Church, based on the message of the Gospel, opens its doors to all.
We strive to create and maintain environments that are safe for all, promote well-being, prevent abuse, and create nurturing, caring conditions within the Church for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
If you spot something that doesn’t feel right, or are told something, then you need to report it.
- Recognise the signs that abuse may be happening.
- Respond sensitively and listen – don’t question or investigate.
- Record factually and accurately what you have been told in the language they used.
- Report immediately to the Church Safeguarding Officer, or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.
If there is immediate danger, call 999.
St. James’s Safeguarding Policies & Procedures
The Parish of St. James, Riding Mill is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies, and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO).
The Diocese of Newcastle’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA.
If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.
Parish Safeguarding Team
- Dr John Mathers (Parish Safeguarding Officer)
- Rev. Diana Johnson 01434 682 768
If you have an enquiry, please contact:
Dr John Mathers – Parish Safeguarding Officer:
Tel: 01434 684 486
Email: jmathersiah@gmail.com
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser – vacant
Interim safeguarding contacts :
https://www.newcastle.anglican.org/safeguarding
“Please direct safeguarding enquiries to the archdeacon:
The Venerable Catherine Sourbut Groves: 07436 220 872 / lindisfarne@newcastle.anglican.org“
Helplines
NSPCC – www.nspcc.org.uk
For adults concerned about a child call 0808 800 5000
CHILDLINE – www.childline.org.uk
For children and young people call 0800 11 11
REFUGE – www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
24 hour National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247
HOURGLASS – www.wearehourglass.org
For support or reporting neglect/ abuse of an older person call 0808 808 8141
