St. Mary's, Bedfont is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk to worship and grow in Christ safely. This is done in a coordinated and supported manner and involves our Church Safeguarding Officer, Children's Champion, the Vicar, and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Concerns about children, young people and adults at risk will be diligently and promptly responded to according to our procedures, recognising the sensitivity it may hold for those involved.
Every person has a value and dignity, which comes directly from the creation of people in God’s image. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.
We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and adults at risk.
We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.
We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working with children or adults at risk.
We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or adult at risk may have been harmed, cooperating fully in any investigation.
We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
We will seek to offer pastoral care to anyone who has suffered abuse.
We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult at risk.
Sue Brewerton is our Safeguarding Officer. She is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult. You can contact her on: 020 8707 5827.
Zena Strutt is our Children’s Champion. She is here to be an advocate for all children in all areas of Parish life, making sure their views are heard and their needs are thought of. You can contact her on: 07905 323959.
Diocese of London, Sheryl Kent: 020 7932 1224
CCPAS helpline: 0845 120 4550
Childline: 0800 1111
NSPCC 24 hour helpline: 0808 800 5000
For more information, please visit the Church of England's web-site on safeguarding.
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Copyright 2019 The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Mary the Virgin, Bedfont.
Registered Charity number 1132247.