All people are precious in the sight of God. We have a responsibility to care for one another and to keep people safe from harm. This is a principle that is recognised both from the viewpoint of faith and also in the context of law. The churches of the North Westmorland benefice are committed to Safeguarding everyone and ensuring that we are a community that prevents and stands up to abuse in all its forms. We have policies and procedures in place which are designed to protect children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable.
The churches of the North Westmorland Benefice have adopted the Parish Safeguarding Policies developed by the Diocese of Carlisle and set out in the Statement on Safeguarding by the House of Bishops, “Promoting a Safer Church”.
The churches are committed to ensuring that all those working with children, young people or vulnerable adults:
- have undergone checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service
- have been safely recruited as appropriate
- are adequately trained and supervised
- understand and follow the Safeguarding Policy
As part of the commitment to Safeguarding the churches have appointed Sarah Banks as our Benefice Safeguarding Co-ordinator (see contact details below). Each parish has adopted a Safeguarding Policy in substantially the terms of the policy you can view here.
The North Westmorland churches recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and endeavour to commit themselves to
- nurturing, protecting and safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults
- supporting parents and families
- exercising care in the appointment of those working with children, young people and vulnerable adults working by the principles of Safer Recruitment
- following statutory, denominational and specialist guidelines in working with children, young people and vulnerable adults
- seeking support for all those affected by abuse
- supporting and resourcing those who work with children and young people and provide regular supervision
- reviewing the Safeguarding Policies annually and amend as appropriate.
IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS FOR A CHILD, YOUNG PERSON OR VULNERABLE ADULT, PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF OUR SAFEGUARDING TEAM BELOW
Benefice Safeguarding Officer
Sarah Banks, 01931 712801, safeguarding@northwestmorland.church
Deputy Benefice Safeguarding Officer
Ruth Hutchings, ruth@northwestmorland.church
Priest-in-Charge
Stephen Tudway, 01931 719210, stephen@northwestmorland.church
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Joanna Van Lachterop, 07458 016884, safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk
If you believe that a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires medical attention, call the emergency services on 999.
If you are concerned that an adult or child is being abused or is at risk of being harmed, you should report this to the Local Authority, Westmorland & Furness Council:
If your concern relates to a child, call 0333 373 2724.
If your concern relates to an adult, call 0300 373 3301 during working hours, or 01228 526690 out of hours.
Other useful contacts:
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111
Family Lives 0808 800 2222 (24 hour helpline for parents)
Samaritans 116 123