Safeguarding | Our Lady of Grace Parish

Safeguarding In Our Parishes

Our Lady of Grace Parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the National and Archdioceses policies & procedures at all times.

Our Parish Safeguarding Representatives are:

Bidduph & Packmoor: Julie Shufflebotham & Lorraine Connell sg.englishmartyrs.biddulph@rcaob.org.uk

Goldenhill: Jo Kirkham sg.stjoseph.goldenhill@rcaob.org.uk

Alternatively the Diocesan Safeguarding team can be contacted on 0121 230 6240 or safeguarding@rcaob.org.uk if you have any concerns.

Safeguarding Within the Archdiocese of Birmingham

The Archdiocese of Birmingham has a zero-tolerance approach to all abuse.

All Church activity should provide a safe environment which promotes and supports the wellbeing of everyone and protects them from harm.

The Catholic Church in England and Wales has a single approach to Safeguarding. The Archdiocese of Birmingham follows the National Safeguarding policy provided by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency; safeguarding in the Archdiocese is overseen by the Safeguarding Trustee Sub-committee.

You can contact the safeguarding team on 0121 230 6240 / safeguarding@rcaob.org.uk

If a Child (anyone under the age of 18) or Adult at Risk is in immediate danger you must contact the Police on 999.

Responding to your concerns:

The Safeguarding Team is available Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm and can be contacted via:

Email: safeguarding@rcaob.org.uk

Phone: 0121 230 6240

We operate a duty system whereby there is a Safeguarding Advisor available during operating hours to respond to calls. Administrators will take the details of the initial contact and one of our available advisors will call you back as soon as possible.

Anyone who brings concerns or allegations to the notice of the Church will be responded to sensitively. All concerns and allegations will be addressed using the Church’s national procedures and in a timely manner.

If you have a concern out of hours that cannot wait the following agencies can be contacted:

Police: either via 999 or 101 or Local Authority children and adult services. Most local authorities run an out-of-hours helpline, details of which can be found on their website. Find out who is your Local Authority

NSPCC:  0808 800 5000, free helpline. Call if you are worried about a child. Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm and at weekends 9am – 6pm. NSPCC helpline

Childline: 0800 1111

16-17 yr olds are legally classed as children and therefore fall within child protection procedures.

The Archdiocese of Birmingham Safeguarding Team is available on:
0121 230 6240 or by email on: safeguarding@rcaob.org.uk

We support survivors who were abused when they were children and those who have been abused as adults. We recognise that speaking out about abuse can be very difficult and distressing and you may not have felt able to tell anyone before. We are here to support you to share your experiences.

Our staff will do all they can to listen to you and support you to find the help you need. You can speak to them without giving your personal details.

The Archdiocese is committed to supporting those who report being harmed and commits to the National Safeguarding Standards:

“Standard 3: Those that report having suffered harm receive a compassionate, caring and timely response, and are provided with access to appropriate support, advice, and pastoral care.”

Support and a listening ear is available from the Safeguarding Team but we also recognise that people may need/want to access support from other sources, we offer signposting and support to anyone who approaches us. You will be heard, be supported, and have your concerns taken seriously.

Safe Spaces

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. This could be abuse by someone who holds any role at the church or is linked to participating in a church-led activity or group.

If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Safe Spaces opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm, Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday from 1pm-5pm (excluding bank holidays, subject to review).

Tel: 0300 303 1056
Email: safespaces@firstlight.org.uk
LiveChat: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Website: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk