Safeguarding
Safeguarding children and Vulnerable Adults
We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously, and we are committed to ensuring that our church and buildings are safe places for all.
Everyone involved in the life of St Augustine's with St Luke's has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all. Safeguarding is at the heart of our Christian faith, and each of us has a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for all in the Church family and wider community.
St Augustine's with St Luke's is committed to implementing the House of Bishops' safeguarding policies and good practice guidance. A formal statement to adopt the House of Bishops' "Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy statement" is agreed annually by our Parochial Church Council (PCC).
Reporting Concerns
If you have any worries or concerns about yourself or another person who may be being harmed or is at risk of harm, we will do our best to help you. If you have any concerns that an individual working or volunteering at St Augustine's with St Luke's may be acting inappropriately or harming another, then please report this to our Safeguarding Officer or another appropriate authority (see details below).
If a child, young person or adult is in immediate need of protection, the police should be called (dial 999).
Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) Contact: Andrew Gurney
Mobile: +447482315545
Email: pso.staugstluke@gmail.com
To raise a non-urgent safeguarding concern, leave a voice or text message on 07482 315545 or email pso.staugstluke@gmail.com.
If the concern is urgent, please contact:
Bromley Local Authority Social Services
Child Tel: 0208 461 7373
Adult Tel: 0208 461 777
Out of hours contact on: 0300 303 8671.
Further information can be found
here.
Rochester Diocese Safeguarding Contacts
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisors (DSA)
DSAs can be contacted via the Diocesan Safeguarding Team on 01634 560000 or e-mail: reception@rochester.anglican.org
The Rochester Diocesan Safeguarding Team are available Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:00 (excluding bank holidays).
For non-urgent enquiries outside this time, email the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, who will respond as soon as possible during office hours.
For urgent safeguarding advice, see information above in the ‘Reporting Concerns’ section.
Further support resources
Further information offering support for victims and survivors of abuse and general safeguarding help for children and adults can be found on the Rochester Diocesan website.
Other related documents can be found below:
- Responding to a Safeguarding Concern or Allegation – The PCC approved procedure for dealing with an alleged case of safeguarding abuse.
- Safer Environment and Activities- Dealing with the Protection of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults.
- The Code of Safer Working Practice - Designed to ensure high standards of Safeguarding in everything we do.
- The Diocese of Rochester’s Bullying and Harassment policy – Designed to prevent bullying and harassment within the Diocese and to provide a framework for addressing any bullying and harassment issues that may arise.
- Children and Young people dedicated Page – Information set out within the Diocese of Rochester website, in an easy-to-read format for children and young people.
Helplines & Links
- Childline - 0800 1111 (for children and young people)
- NSPCC - 0808 800 5000 (for adults concerned about a child)
- Stop It Now - 0808 1000 900 (Child sexual abuse)
- NAPAC - 0808 801 0331 (Supporting recovery from Childhood Abuse)
- Samaritans - 116 123
- Family Lives (Parentline plus) - 0808 800 2222
- National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247
- Respect - 0808 808 8141 (Domestic Abuse)
- National Careline - 0800 0699 784 (Elderly Support)
Get Support Today
If you or someone you know needs support, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help and provide the resources needed to ensure everyone feels safe and supported.
