Why does Safeguarding matter in a Christian community?
Jesus talked of the kingdom of God belonging to children; he gave them status, time and respect. Jesus also showed himself to be compassionately on the side of those without power, reaching across social barriers with the inclusive love of God.
A Christian approach to safeguarding children, adults who may be vulnerable and those in abusive relationships therefore asks both individuals and communities to create a safe environment for them, to act promptly on any complaints made, to care for those who have been abused in the past, and to minister appropriately to those who have abused.
Our churches take safeguarding extremely seriously and have adopted and implement our Diocesan procedures and guidelines contained in A Safe Church. These are in line with those agreed by the House of Bishops. This means we are committed to:
- establishing an environment where children and young people are nurtured and protected and all people, and especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason, are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety.
- working in accordance with the national legal and procedural framework for safeguarding children and adults who may be vulnerable, and Church of England policy and practice guidance.
- providing staff and voluntary workers with procedures that create a safe environment for children and young people and for adults who may be vulnerable
- acting appropriately in the event that a child or young person or adult who may be vulnerable may be experiencing, or be at risk of, harm.
If you have any questions about safeguarding in our churches, please feel free to contact us about them and we will respond promptly.
Revd Liz Newman, Rector
Parish Safeguarding Officers Contact Details
St Luke’s
Rick Newman: 07706 801606 rick.Newman@charlton.church
Isla Carlin: 07725 513319 islacarlin@gmail.com
St Thomas’
Ali Edney: 07973 219495 ali.edney@charlton.church
Miriam Kakembo: 07484 646041 miriamkakembo@btinternet.com
Key helpline information
- 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.
- Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse) Helpline: 080 8808 8141 ( free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers Contact Details
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser:
Pamela Chisholm
pamela.chisholm@southwark.anglican.org 020 7939 9423 Mobile 07982 279713 (for urgent matters out of hours)
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers:
Marie Daly
marie.daly@southwark.anglican.org 020 7939 9441 Mobile 07946 255295
Louise Vernon
louise.vernon@southwark.anglican.org 020 7939 9462 Mobile 07946 255622
Out of Hours Number
020 3874 6743
Link to current edition of A Safe Church
https://southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/diocesan-policies-and-procedures
