“We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults, and the establishing of safer, caring communities. We have worked hard to improve our culture of informed vigilance, our practices of safer recruiting, and our safeguarding at every level of our church life within congregations and dioceses. We are conscious that there is always more to be done and that this continues to be work in progress. We must always strive to reflect God’s love ever more and more fully as he calls us deeper into his way of being and living. The best of all possible ways of ‘responding well’ would be to ensure that abuse never happened again.” 

Taken from “Responding Well to those who have been sexually abused policy and guidance for the Church of England”

The Church of England's Safeguarding Site has comprehensive guidance, advice and contact details. It can be accessed here.

Our Safeguarding Officer at St Andrew's is Mrs Patricia Tulley

 

If you have been a victim of abuse in the past, or are currently a victim of abuse, you will probably be experiencing many deep and difficult emotions. You may feel angry, fearful or resentful, but you may also feel relieved that at last someone is talking about this issue, and is listening to people, like you, who have been or are being abused. It is important that you know that you are not alone, and also that, whatever your experience in the past, you will be listened to, and you will be taken seriously. Your experience of abuse is not your fault, and neither is it a small matter that can be swept aside or ignored. Abuse is always wrong and you have a right to be heard.

You may wish to talk to someone in the church about this. If so, you can do so by contacting us on 0800 294 2502 or by email at response@diochi.org.uk. Your call/contact will be handled sensitively and carefully, and you will receive advice on what can happen next. You may wish to talk to someone else, outside of the church. This may be the police, or social services.  The important thing is that you talk to someone, and that you tell them about your experience.

Thank you for coming forward.

General safeguarding concerns or queries should be forwarded to the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, Colin Perkins at 01273 425792 or through the Diocesan website here.

If you would like to speak to someone out of office hours please contact the The National Association for People Abused in Childhood. Freephone Support Line 0800 085 3330