Safeguarding

The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults visiting and participating in Seal Church's activities is important.  Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.  Seal Church follows the Church of England safeguarding guidance; these policies can be found on the diocesan website.

If you have any worries or concerns about yourself or another person that may be being harmed or is at risk of harm, we will do our best to help you.  If you have any concerns that an individual working or volunteering with the Church may be acting inappropriately or harming another we want to know.

Our staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities regarding safeguarding.

If a child, young person or adult is in immediate need of protection the police should be called.

Social services can also be contacted to advise on a safeguarding concern.

The National Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children operates two 24-hour helplines

Help for children and young people – Childline 0800 1111

Help for adults concerned about a child 0808 800 5000

For victims of domestic abuse National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 or contact DAVSS

The National Safeguarding Team  have also published an interactive guide to safeguarding which provides a useful overview of safeguarding in the Church of England: please see their website.

The Parish Safeguarding Officer is Marshall Kent
safeguardingsealpandp@gmail.com   07867 537181
The Parish Children's Representative is Jenni Pascoe.
The Parish Representative for vulnerable adults is Marion Gilchrist.

If you are concerned about something you have experienced in a church, now or in the past, or you are worried about another person - perhaps a vulnerable adult or a child – there are people you can talk to and you will be taken seriously.

Anyone who needs to come forward with information or make any disclosures regarding church related abuse are encouraged to make direct contact with the Diocese of Rochester’s Safeguarding team on: 01634 560000 or visit: www.rochester.anglican.org/safeguarding/

Recognising that this may not feel safe for those with a lived experience of abuse from within the church, a dedicated telephone helpline, operated independently from the church, by the NSPCC, is available. Calls can be made free on 0800 80 20 20. Thank you.