Promoting a Safer Church

At Whalley Abbey we have adopted the House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, incorporating the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.

All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone the safer recruitment process and received safeguarding training. 

Reporting a concern

Safeguarding concerns at Whalley Abbey should be reported to the Director, Anna Walker, whose contact details are 07484 118564 / anna.walker (at) whalleyabbey.org. She can seek further advice from Cath Smith, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA), as necessary. 

Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer.

Safeguarding concerns in another setting should be raised with the relevant organisation's Safeguarding team. 

Cath’s contact details are:

Telephone: 01254 503088

Temporary Mobile: 07753 419657

Email: catherine.smith@blackburn.anglican.org

Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE

Links to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be found here:

https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/diocesan-safeguarding-team

https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/reporting-a-safeguarding-concern

For emergency safeguarding advice when the DSA is unavailable, emergency safeguarding cover via thirtyone:eight is available on their helpline 0303 003 111.

Finding support

We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the 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.

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).