Safeguarding
St. Mary’s is committed to the care and protection of children, young people and adults. For further information, please see our Safeguarding Policy. Any concerns should be raised with our Parish Safeguarding Officer.
Our Commitments
- Promoting a safer environment and culture.
- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults.
- Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
- Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons.
- Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns/allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
- Responding to those that may pose a present risk.
What To Do If You Have Concerns
If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger, or requires immediate medical attention, call emergency services on 999.
If you do not think there is a risk of immediate harm, you must speak to an official about your concern as soon as possible.
For urgent safeguarding enquiries out of hours please call Thirtyone:eight on +44 (0) 303 003 1111 for confidential advice, guidance and support. During office hours please contact the Diocesan Area Safeguarding Adviser, Charlotte Wilmshurst on 01865 208 295 or email safeguardingreferrals@oxford.anglican.org. Alternatively a local first point for reporting safeguarding concerns is our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Heather Wylie safeguarding@stmaryspurley.org.uk
If you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm, you should approach your local Children’s Social Care or
Adult’s Social Care department.
Other Useful Contacts
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
08457 90 90 90 (open 24 hours).
Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Hourglass Helpline (formerly Action on Elder Abuse)
0808 808 8141 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Phone if you are worried about an older person.