The Catholic Church of England and Wales are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. We affirm the One Church approach to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults through the promotion of a sustained and sustainable culture of constant vigilance. The Church recognises the personal dignity and rights of all Vulnerable People towards whom it has a special responsibility. The Church and individual members of it undertake to take all the appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ’s Ministry towards children, young people and vulnerable adults and to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm.
Responding to Allegations or Concerns
Where information about a disclosure becomes known to a person within the Church (or you wish to speak to someone about your own personal circumstances), then action must be taken to ensure that children, young people or vulnerable adults are not put at continued risk and a proper investigation takes place. The Church authorities will liaise closely with statutory agencies to ensure that any allegations of abuse are promptly and properly investigated and where appropriate, survivors supported and perpetrators held to account.
You can speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team or, if there is immediate risk, to the police or local authority children’s or adult’s services. Contact details are provided below:
Parish Safeguarding Officers:
St Aidan’s/St Bernadette’s – Iris Mayne
St Columba’s – Margaret Vardy/Bernie Doherty
Diocesan Safeguarding Team
Telephone 0191 243 3305 Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm