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Sacred Heart Wimbledon

Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults


 
Parish Safeguarding Representatives have special responsibility for promoting good and safe practices in all activities involving children, young people and adults at risk. 

Contact Details Reporting Abuse 
 
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.
 
It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.
 
If you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or religious congregation, or directly to the Police.

If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and also to the safeguarding office in your diocese. You can contact the Archdiocese of Southwark Safeguarding Office by telephoning 0207 261 1606 or via email at safeguardingoffice@rcaos.org.uk
 
Volunteers and Parishioners
 
Everyone who volunteers or works with children and/or vulnerable adults is required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check before they can start in their roles. Group leaders refer new volunteers to the Parish Safeguarding Team, who then facilitate this. All volunteers are then asked to do an online safeguarding training module.
 
However, safeguarding is not just the responsibility of those who work or volunteer within the parish but is something we are all called to do. If you would like more information, please visit the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) Website https://catholicsafeguarding.org.uk. You are also welcome to access the training modules https://training.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk
 
The Archdiocese of Southwark’s Safeguarding Website can be found at
https://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/mission/safeguarding/
 
The Archdiocese Safeguarding Policies
https://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/mission/safeguarding/safeguarding-policies/
 
 
Safe spaces
 
Safe spaces is a free national support service which offers confidential, personal, and a safe space for anyone who has been abused through their contact with either the Church of England, the Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
The Service continues to be independent of the Church of England and the Catholic Church in England and Wales and provides trauma-informed information, emotional support and advocacy.
 
Helpline 0300 303 1056
Website www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Saturday 9am-1pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm