Safeguarding at St. Mark's

At St. Mark's we work to maintain a safe environment for all. We are committed to implementing the House of Bishops' safeguarding policies and good practice guidance. It is our responsibility as a church to safeguard children and adults, when they are vulnerable, who are placed in our care. This applies whether they are visitors in the congregation, users of our Community Services, or members of one of the clubs that are involved with our church.

Church leaders and all who work at St. Mark's are required to work within the guidelines recommended in the Safeguarding Policy. Each leader must read, know about, and undertake to observe them.

St. Mark's Church has adopted the House of Bishops 'Promoting a Safer Church' policy and is committed to:

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.

A copy of the Safeguarding Policy can be downloaded from the following link:

St. Mark's Safeguarding Policy pdf

The National Promoting a Safer Church policy statement can be downloaded from the following link:

National Safeguarding Policy pdf

Parish Safeguarding Officer

Jason Dobb
1 Thurlow Way, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA14 5XP
Tel. No 01229 430390
e-mail: safeguarding@stmarksbarrow.org.uk

Churchwardens

Lisa Miller
John Sheratt
e-mail: warden@stmarksbarrow.org.uk

Minister

Rev. Tony Ford
Tel. No 01229 820405
e-mail: vicar@stmarksbarrow.org.uk

Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser

Joanna Van Lachterop
Tel. No 07458 016884
e-mail: safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk
Joanna's working days are Monday to Friday.

Out of Hours Support

If Joanna is unavailable and you are concerned that an adult is being abused, or at risk, you should report it by contacting Adult Social Care, Cumberland Council. Emergency Out of Hours - 01228 526690.

If you are concerned about a child or young person please contact Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Hub on 0300 373 2724.

If you believe that a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires medical attention, call the emergency services on 999.

National Helplines

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: Phone if you are worried about a child and need advice or guidance on what to do	tel. 0808 800 5000 lines free and open 24 hours
Child-line: Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything	tel. 0800 1111 lines free and open 24 hours
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse or need help to report	tel. 0808 2000 247 lines free and open 24 hours
Samaritans Helpline: Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to	tel. 116 123 open 24 hours
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline:	tel. 0808 808 8141 free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm
Victim Support Cumbria: Emotional and practical advice to help people affected by crime in Cumbria	tel. 0300 303 0157
LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline:	tel. 0800 999 5428
Men's Advice Line:	tel. 0808 801 0327
Age UK Advice Line:	tel. 0800 678 1602

National and Diocesan Safeguarding Information

Carlisle Diocese
Church of England