At Appley Bridge All Saints’ Church we have a robust and thorough approach to the protection of young people and vulnerable adults.
Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of everyone. It is central to our mission and ministry as a church and Diocese. As a church, we have rigorous safeguarding policies and procedures which we follow to ensure the safety of all children and adults involved in church life and those visiting us.
If you have any safeguarding concerns regarding Appley Bridge All Saints’ Church you should contact our safeguarding officer in the first instance.
safeguardingofficer@allsaintschurch.co.uk
Additional information about our safeguarding officer and who to contact is available below and our main safeguarding policy documents are available from the home page of our website.
Our safeguarding officer is supported by the Diocese of Blackburn Safeguarding Team.
Links to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be found here:
https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/diocesan-safeguarding-team
https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/reporting-a-safeguarding-concern
The Diocese of Blackburn safeguarding officer is Catherine Smith
Catherine’s contact details are:
Telephone number: 07711485170
Email address: catherine.smith@blackburn.anglican.org
Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2Q
Finding support
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
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.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).