If you would like to discuss safeguarding at St Edith's or need to report any concerns, please use the contact details below:

Parish Safeguarding Adviser
Sara Dace-Hughes
T: 07779337631
EMAIL: safeguarding@garrowbychurches.com

Within the Garrowby benefice we are committed to the protection, safeguarding, care and nurture of all children and vulnerable adults who visit us and who are in our community.

Please contact us for details of our policy and procedures which have been developed in line with guidance from the Church of England. The aim is to ensure a safe environment for everyone who wishes to worship with us, visit or contribute to its activities.

Further details on safeguarding in the diocese can be found by following this link: https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/promoting-safer-church-safeguarding

If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.

• Promoting a safer environment and culture.


• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.


• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.


• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.


• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.


• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

Each Parish will: 

• Create a safe and caring place for all.


• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.


• Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.


• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.


• Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.


• Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.


• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.


• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.


• Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.


• Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.


• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing to you and it may add to your hurt by our not being able to immediately assist you. Therefore here are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

(lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.

(lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.

(lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.

(open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.

( free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).

safeguarding@churchofengland.org