SAFEGUARDING
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who may come into contact with children, young people, adults and their families has a role to play.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy St Matthias church is committed to:
- Promoting a safer environment and culture.
- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
- Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
- Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
- Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
- Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
Read our full safeguarding policy statement here.
We adhere to the national Church of England Safeguarding Policy, Promoting a Safer Church
Further information can be found in the National Church’s Safeguarding e-manual
For ease of reading we’ve condensed some of this information into two shorter documents:
You can also read our safeguarding policies/guidance:
Responding to safeguarding concerns
Youth and kids team handbook
E-safety policy
Photography policy
If you think a child or adult is at immediate risk of harm or a crime has been committed, you should call 999.
If you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), Kat Gardner.Telephone number:
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You can also contact the Chichester Diocese Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@chichester.anglican.org
For more information (and other contact details, including sources of advice and support) click here.
You may also wish to contact one of the local agencies. For more info and contact details:
Children’s Services (for contact details see https://safeguarding.chichester.anglican.org/childprotection/)
Adult Services (for contact details see https://safeguarding.chichester.anglican.org/adultprotection/)
There are also national agencies offering help and support:
- NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) – 0808 800 5000
- Childline – 0800 1111
- Stop it Now – 0808 1000 900
- NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood) – 0808 801 0331
- Samaritans – 116 123
- Family Lives – 0808 800 2222
- National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
- Action on Elder Abuse – 0808 808 8141