The parishes of All Saints’ Scotby, and St. John’s Cotehill with Cumwhinton are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We aim to promote a safer environment and culture in all that we do, ensuring that everyone feels welcome, respected, and safe.
We follow the Church of England’s national safeguarding policies and procedures, which are based on the principles of Promoting a Safer Church. These include safely recruiting and supporting those who work with children and vulnerable people, responding promptly to concerns, and caring pastorally for those affected.
If you have any concerns or wish to speak to someone about a safeguarding matter, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer – Tony Cattermole, who can be contacted via email: safeguarding@sccparish.church
Together, we are committed to ensuring our churches remain safe and welcoming spaces for all. If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others please seek advice from one of our Safeguarding Officers, one of the staff team, or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or Police without delay.
A big part of our mission and outreach is our work with children and families. All those who serve on our teams have, and continue to receive the relevant training necessary for working with children and families. All our team members have been DBS checked and approved to serve in their roles. We are supported by the Safeguarding Officer of Carlisle Diocese to whom we will forward contacts.
Any member of the Church who suspects that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused in any way whatsoever should immediately contact the relevant authority or the police and follow their advice. Please also contact the diocese Safeguarding officer – Joanna Van Lachterop.
T: 07458 016884 E: safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk
Link to ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ Policy document.
Other useful helplines:
1. NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child and need advice or guidance on what to do.
2. Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
3. National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse or need help to report.
4. Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
5. Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 0808 808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
6. Victim Support Cumbria: 0300 303 0157. Emotional and practical advice to help people affected by crime in Cumbria.
7. LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428
8. Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
9. Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602
