The Church of the Good Shepherd aims to be a Safe Church.
Our Parish Safeguarding Officers are Karen Connor (01737 816216), Richard Shipman (01737 556219) and Richard Gollop (07914792130).
We are committed to promoting and supporting safe environments which: -
For children and young people
For adults who may be vulnerable
For those suffering domestic abuse
A Christian approach to safeguarding children, vulnerable adults and those in abusive relationships therefore asks both individuals and communities to create a safe environment for them, to act promptly on any complaints made, to care for those who have been abused in the past, and to minister appropriately to those who have abused. As part of this, we at The Church of the Good Shepherd have adopted the proposals contained within the book - 'A Safe Church'.
This book may be viewed at this link (http://southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/diocesan-policies-and-procedures) also there is a copy at the back of church.
The following contacts are also available in The Southwark Diocese.
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, Kate Singleton kate.singleton@southwark.anglican.org 020 7939 9423 Mobile 07982 279713 (for urgent matters out of hours)
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers, Marie Daly and Louise Vernon
Marie Daly marie.daly@southwark.anglican.org 020 7939 9441 Mobile 07946 255295
Louise Vernon louise.vernon@southwark.anglican.org 020 7939 9462 Mobile 07946 255622
You can also get help with safeguarding issues from the following external organisations
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Child-line: 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: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 ( free phone Monday to Friday 9- 5pm).