‘Safeguarding is part of our core faith and an integral feature of Christian life
in our parish churches’
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Reporting a concern
Any safeguarding concern in this parish should be brought to the attention of our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) Lesley Slack, who can seek further advice from Sharon Hassall, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA), as necessary.
Lesley's can be phoned on 07702815026 or emailed via Lesley.slack@btinternet.com.
Sharon can be phoned on 01254 503070/07711 485170 or emailed via sharon.hassall@blackburn.anglican.org. Her address is Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2Q
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
As a parish church, St John's have adopted the House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, incorporating the House of Bishop’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.
Our PCC has formally adopted this and signed the Safeguarding Policy Statement Promoting a Safer Church.
St John’s have appointed Lesley Slack as the Church Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Contact: 07702 815026
We have also displayed the poster 'Promoting a Safer Church' prominently within our church.
All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment and completed safeguarding training.
Finding support
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact Lesley or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
Below are useful contact details for organisations who may be able to offer help.
Action on Elder Abuse - An organisation dedicated to preventing and stopping abuse on older people.
Phone: 0808 8088 141
Website: http://www.elderabuse.org.uk
Citizens Advice - You can contact Citizens Advice for information around benefits, work, money and debts, housing, immigration and other information. Simply type in your postcode for information from your local Citizens Advice.
Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/.
Men's Health Forum - 24/7 support for men by text, chat and email.
Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk
Mind - Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk
National Domestic Violence Helpline - If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. You can call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free.
Phone: 0808 2000 247
Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
NHS - The NHS are there to help with medical queries, problems and emergencies. In a non-emergency, it's best to call 111 or visit the NHS website before going to the GP.
If it's an emergency, always call 999.
NSPCC - Children's charity dedicated to ending child abuse and child cruelty.
Phone: 0800 1111 for Childline for children (24-hour helpline) 0808 800 5000 for adults concerned about a child (24-hour helpline)
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk
Samaritans - Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk