Here at St Peter's, we are committed to creating a safe church for all.
We have adopted the Bishop’s ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ safeguarding Policy Statement for Children, Young People and Adults which can be viewed here.
Our Safeguarding Officer is Finley Lawson. If you have a concern about safeguarding, please contact Finn on 07796 783013 or email safeguarding@ighthamchurch.org.uk
In an emergency please contact the police on 999.
Other useful contacts:
Greg Barry, Diocesan Safeguarding Officer: 01634 560000 or 07585 952174 greg.barry@rochester.anglican.org
Kent Social Services: 0300 0411111
Childline: 0800 1111
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900
NAPAC: 0808 801 0331
Samaritans: 116 123
Family Lives: 0808 800 2222
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Action On Elder Abuse: 080 8808 8141
Policies and guidance
The following documents underpin our approach and processes around safeguarding:
- Formal Safeguarding Statement (Adopted on 23/09/2024. Signed versions available in church building)
- Promoting a Safer Church Policy
- Parish Safeguarding Handbook
- Safer Environment and Activities Guidance
Safeguarding – Past Cases Review
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.
You can contact the Diocese of Rochester’s Safeguarding team on 01634 560 000 or visit their webpage at: 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