IF YOU ARE CONCERNED
that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Adviser or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

If you have immediate concerns about someone’s safety, please call the police (999) and the local authority. 
In Suffolk you can report a concern about a child by calling: 0808 800 4005. 
And, you can report a concern about an adult using this link:

SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS

If you have any concerns or enquiries regarding safeguarding, please contact:

24/7 HELPLINES

  • Childline: 0800 1111
  • National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
  • Samaritans Helpline: 116 123

St. Thomas Church

Bishop Martin presides over Eucharist at St. Thomas

SAFEGUARDING

PARISH STATEMENT OF SAFEGUARDING

At St Thomas, we work hard to maintain a safe environment.
We are committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance.

This parish recognises that the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is paramount and that we all have a duty of care. We will do everything that we can to provide a safe and caring environment whilst they attend activities and worship in our church.

We will:

  • Treat all children, young people and vulnerable adults and groups with respect and celebrate their achievements.
  • Recruit and select all those working with children, young people and vulnerable adults or groups on our behalf, including volunteers, in accordance with Church of England Practice Guidance on Safer Churches.

Recruitment:

  • Provide a job description and safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers to include the assessment of risk when working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. 
  • Respond to concerns and allegations without delay in accordance with Diocesan Safeguarding procedures.

Concerns:

When there is a disclosure of harm or there are concerns about the welfare of any children, young person or vulnerable adult, all adults in our church community are expected to share their concerns and allegations with one of the following:

 

More information on how you can report any safeguarding concerns is available from The Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich at Safeguarding Concerns.