Safeguarding - A Key Priority
We believe that the care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of our churches.
We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults by:
Promoting a safer environment and culture
Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults
Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons
Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns/allegations of abuse and other affected persons
Responding to those that may pose a present risk.
If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of abuse, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice without delay from one of our safeguarding officers listed below or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the police.
If there is immediate risk or danger please contact the police on 999.
Local Contacts available to speak to regarding any concerns
St David’s Holmbridge
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Marie Lewis
07986 302445
safeguarding.holmbridge@whvchurches.org.uk
Holy Trinity Holmfirth
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Linda Whitaker
01484 686455
holytrinityholmfirth@gmail.com
St John’s Upperthong
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Linda Whitaker
01484 686455
safeguardingstjohnsupperthong@gmail.com
Other Points of Contact
Leeds Diocese Safeguarding Team
A dedicated safeguarding team is available at the Diocese Mon-Fri 9.00am - 4.00pm. They operate a triage system. All enquiries and concerns will be answered dependant on risk-based priority. You can contact them directly as follows:
> Tel: 0113 3530257
> e: safeguarding@leeds.anglican.org
> via an on-line form
Kirklees Local Authority Social Services
Safeguarding Children & Young People Team
> Tel: 01484 456848
> out-of-hours 01484 414933
> Tel: 01484 414933
Helplines
> NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
> Childline: 0800 800 2222
> Domestic Violence Helpline: 0800 2000 247
> NAPAC: 0808 801 0331
> Stop-It-Now: 0808 1000 900
> Hourglass (Elder Abuse): 0808 808 8141
The Church of England is currently running a National campaign to raise awareness of how to recognise and report safeguarding concerns. It includes resources that are designed to build confidence in responding and taking appropriate action. You can access some of these resources below.