Safeguarding
Our Commitment to You
Our parish of St Matthew and St Luke, Chadderton is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our PSO is Paula Clarke. The Diocese of Manchester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.
The Parish Safeguarding Handbook gives full details of our processes and proceedures relating to the handling of safeguarding disclosures.
In an Emergency
If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Service.
Out of Hours Support
The Diocese of Manchester partners with thirtyone:eight and you can access their Safeguarding Helpline if the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is unavailable. Thirtyone:eight can be contacted on 0303 003 1111. This service also handles any safeguarding queries outside of office hours on weekdays and weekends. An Information Sharing Agreement between the two organisations will allow the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser to receive a copy of the advice thirtyone:eight may offer the caller.
Additional Support
Below are some services that you may wish to also consider contacting:
- NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours)
- Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours)
- Parent Line: 0808 800 2222
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).
- Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours).
- Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 0808 808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
