Safeguarding

Safeguarding in the Parish of Whitehaven.

In our church we strive to promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, we can do this by working in ways that prevent abuse from occurring, protecting those who are deemed vulnerable and support those who that have been abused. If the identity of those who pose a risk is known to us, we should still support them, but take care in risk managing situations where they may pose a threat.

Definitions of vulnerability:

Children and young people are pretty much defined by their age:

  • A child is anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday. Child protection guidance highlights that under-18s who are:
  • aged 16 or over;
  • living independently;
  • in further education;
  • a member of the armed forces;
  • in hospital; or
  • in custody in the secure estate
  • are still legally children and should be given the same protections and entitlements as any other child.
  • HM Government 2015

 

Vulnerable young people/person – means any individual(s) aged 14 to 17 years old † 

 

Vulnerable adult:” A person aged 18 or over whose ability to protect himself or herself from violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation is significantly impaired through physical or mental disability or illness, old age, emotional fragility or distress, or otherwise; and for that purpose, the reference to being impaired is to be temporarily or indefinitely impaired’

The Parish of Whitehaven Parish Safeguarding Policy,is reviewed annually by the Rector and the Parochial Church Council, a copy of this is held in Church, also a display of “Who’s Who”.

If you have any concerns relating to Safeguarding Issues, please contact:

 

Reverend Alison Dobell

Priest in Charge at St James'

Emal: rector.whitehaven@gmail.com

 

The Parish Safeguarding Officer:

Donna Flitcroft: Telephone 07736643255

Email: whitehavenparish@btinternet.com

 

The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser:

Joanna Van Lachterop
Joanna works full-time for the diocese. If she is unavailable and you believe a child may be at immediate risk,

you must contact Cumbria Children's Services using the 24 hour number (0333 240 1727) or the police.

T: 07458 016884
E: safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk

 

Local Authority contacts for the Copeland Area are:

Adult Services: 0300 303 3589

Email: whitehavenssd@cumbria.gov.uk

 

Childrens Services:  01946 505505

Out of Hours: 0333 240 1727

Email: whitehavenssd@cumbria.gov.uk

 

“Promoting a Safer Church” is a reference guide to the Church of England Safeguarding Policy, the full policy, and that of the Diocese is available online at:

https://www.carlislediocese.org.uk/our-diocese/safeguarding.html

Or you can view the reference guide “Promoting a Safer Church” here.

The Parish of Whitehaven Safeguarding Policy is available here.