Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting, nurturing and safeguarding all members of our church, and especially children, young people and adults when they take part in our services, groups and other activities.

We operate according to A Safe Church, which outlines the Diocese of Southwark’s policies, procedures and guidelines for safeguarding. You can see our Safeguarding Policy Promoting a Safer Church here. We have also developed a Parish Safeguarding Handbook, which is our local source of policies, practices and templates that are designed to help us meet our commitment.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy, our church is committed to:

• promoting a safer environment and culture

• safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church

• responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation

• caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons

• caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons

• responding to those who may pose a present risk to others

In particular, we will respond promptly and thoroughly to concerns about children, young people and adults at risk according to our procedures, recognising the need for confidentiality and the potential sensitivity of situations. We will do this in a structured way that involves our Parish Safeguarding Officers, appropriate Church Officers and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

Our contacts

Graham Bamping and Anke Marais, our Parish Safeguarding Officers, are the first people to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or adult at risk.

Keith Nurse and Louise McFerran, our Churchwardens, also provide a local point of contact.

If you see or hear something that you feel is, or has the potential to be, a safeguarding concern, you can report it via our Cause for Concern form.  

Diocesan contacts

The Southwark Diocesan Safeguarding Team is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm (last calls taken at 4.30pm, excludes bank holidays), and can be contacted for advice and support regarding safeguarding referrals and general enquiries on 0207 939 9441.

National contacts

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, contact the Police on 999. 

London Borough of Richmond Children’s Services

Children's Social Services: SPA (Single Point of Access) on 020 8547 5008 (8am to 5.15pm Mon to Thurs and 8am - 5pm Friday) or 020 8770 5000 (out of hours)

London Borough of Richmond Adult Services

Adult Social Services: 020 8891 7971 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm) or SMS Phone: 07860 034792 or email: adultsocialservices@richmond.gov.uk

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline

0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child

Childline

0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything

National Domestic Violence Helpline

0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse

Samaritans Helpline

116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to

Action on Elder Abuse Helpline

080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 0900-1700). Provides advice and support to victims and others who are concerned about or have witnessed Elder abuse