Safeguarding
St Andrew’s is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have a Safeguarding Policy Statement – Promoting a Safer Church (May 2022).
More detail is provided in our Safeguarding Children and Adults Policy (March 2022).
We have also displayed the ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ poster prominently within our Church and Hall on the noticeboards.
All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment, received safeguarding training and support, in accordance with the Code of Safer Working Practice.
Reporting a concern
If you have a safeguarding concern it should be brought to the attention of our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), Judith Wyllie. She can be contacted at safeguarding@longtonstandrew.org.
Safeguarding Risk Assessment
It is a requirement to complete a Safeguarding Risk Assessment prior to any event involving children, young people or vunerable adults.
Forms should be completed and passed to our Parish Safeguarding Officer Judith Wyllie at safeguarding@longtonstandrew.org in advance of any activity, event, meeting, or visit, and sign off received at least 2 weeks prior to the date to ensure all safeguarding and actions can be adhered to and all helpers / parents / carers are fully aware.
Safeguarding Risk Assessment Form (in Word for downloading and completing electronically)
Safeguarding Risk Assessment Form (as a PDF for printing out and completing manually)
To help complete the form we also provide below an example form with a list of typical risks. These risks are by no means an exhaustive list, nor may all of them apply to all events, meetings, group activities with children and vulnerable adults. Please use it as a guide and amend as appropriate when completing your own form.
Example Form with a Sample List of Risks (as PDF)
Undertaking Activities in Your Own Home and Lone Working
When undertaking activities associated with the Church in your own home and/or lone working this additional safeguarding guidance should be followed.
Additional support
The Diocese of Blackburn’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contact details for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA), Sharon Hassall and her team, who advise our PSO.
Also the Parish Handbook contains all relevant safeguarding information.
If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm and have been unable to contact our PSO please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the PSO or Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
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.
Refuge: 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).
The Parish Church of Longton St Andrew,
Longton, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 5AA
Rev. Sam Crossley 07591 455610
