Safeguarding
It's very important to us that everyone should be safe, happy and welcome at St Mark's, and our safeguarding procedures reflect this priority.
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Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Charlotte Webster, and together with our Churchwarden, Paul Robson, Charlotte is responsible for making sure that our safeguarding policy is followed and that all our DBS (Criminal Record) Checks and Safeguarding Training are up-to-date.
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Everyone who works regularly with Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults at St Mark's goes through a DBS vetting process and receives ongoing training on how to create and maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Occasional volunteers always work with someone who has been through this process, under the direct supervision of a trained individual. Everyone at St Mark's is required to follow good practice in safeguarding (see below).
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If you have any concerns at all about a child, young person or vulnerable adult, you can talk to Charlotte (07792388815), Paul (07500 394634) or Rev'd Rae (07884192923). If there is immediate risk or danger to someone, please contact Northumbria Police on 101.
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You can also download our leaflet on how to report abuse and the actions you can expect, "You will be listened to", from the Diocesan Website here.
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If you are still concerned, or for any reason you wish to talk to someone outside the parish, you can also contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, Carol Butler through the Newcastle Diocesan Safeguarding team on 07825 167016, or by email at c.butler@newcastle.anglican.org
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Getting Help from outside
There are also a number of organisations outside the church who can help:
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)
Phone if you are worried about an older vulnerable person.
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Safeguarding Procedures and Further Help
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The Church has developed extensive guidance for safeguarding, which is available online.
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Everyone who has contact with children and vulnerable adults at St Mark's should be familiar with our safeguarding procedures and how to find help; you can see our Safeguarding Policy here.
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In addition, you can download the nationally produced Parish Safeguarding Handbook here.
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The Diocesan Website also has an extensive section on Safeguarding which can help you find the right prodcedure, form or guidance for most situations.
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If in doubt, please consult one of our safeguarding team for help.
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