At Christ Church we work hard to maintain a safe environment for all.
We are committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance.
If you have any concerns or enquiries regarding safeguarding, please contact our safeguarding officer.
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Pauline Jones
Email: safeguarding@christchurchchester.com
The Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be contacted at safeguarding@chester.anglican.org or on 01928 718834 (option 4).
OUT OF HOURS SUPPORT
The Diocese of Chester partners with Thirtyone:eight and you can access their Safeguarding Helpline if the Diocesan Safeguarding Team is unavailable – this also includes any safeguarding queries outside of office hours on weekdays and weekends. Thirtyone:eight can be contacted on 0303 003 1111.
IN THE CASE OF EMERGENCY
If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police on 999 and/or your local authority Children or Adults Service.
HELPLINES
Safe Spaces England and Wales – Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
Email: SafeSpaces@FirstLight.org.uk
Safe Spaces Helpline: 0300 303 1056
Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 21:00 | Saturdays: 09:00 – 13:00 | Sundays: 13:00 – 17:00
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours)
Parent Line: 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours)
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours)
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (freephone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
Further information about safeguarding in the Diocese of Chester can be found here: https://www.chesterdiocese.org/safeguarding
POLICY AND PRACTICE DOCUMENTS
Please click on the text in red to open the document.
“Promoting a Safer Church” is the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance, adopted by Christ Church. It sets out the policy of the Church of England on safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults.
“The Parish Safeguarding Handbook” brings into one place the key safeguarding responsibilities for parishes that are outlined in “Promoting a Safer Church” the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.
“Promoting a Safer Environment and Activities” complements and expands upon information in the Parish Safeguarding Handbook. It is intended to act as a ‘How to…’ guide to help churches in their everyday ministry. It has been produced to give clear guidance to many of the questions that parishes most often ask about keeping people safe in church.
“Christ Church Chester, Taking Images: Statement of Practice” is a handy guide for anyone taking, storing and sharing images for Christ Church Chester. It summarises the principles outlined in ‘Promoting a Safer Environment and Activities’ and clarifies Christ Church’s responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulations.