What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. It is about working to prevent abuse from occurring, seeking to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused.
““We cannot place a high enough importance on safeguarding issues. It is vital that lessons are learned throughout the whole of the Church of England. Every day, the vulnerable come to us for shelter, for support and for comfort. Their trust cannot be taken for granted.”
- Archbishop Justin Welby”
Our Foundation—the Gospel
The Church is called to share the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. The life of our communities and institutions is integral to how we address this task. The good news speaks of welcome for all, with a particular regard for those who are most vulnerable, into a community where the value and dignity of every human being is affirmed and those in positions of responsibility and authority are truly trustworthy. Being faithful to our call to share the gospel therefore compels us to take with the utmost seriousness the challenge of preventing abuse from happening and responding well where it has.
We abide by the Safeguarding Policy of the Diocese of Bath and Wells - you can read our policy by clicking the button.
To read more about Safeguarding in the Church of England and the Diocese of Bath and Wells specifically, click the button.
What do I do if I have a safeguarding concern?
Contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer Sue Snell by emailing safeguardstmikes@gmail.com, or by leaving a confidential message with on 01225 447103. You do not need to provide any details about your concerns just let us know that it’s a safeguarding issue and we will arrange for Sue to contact you as soon as possible.
Alternatively, contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team via the details on their website.
If the situation is an emergency, i.e. you are worried that a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate, serious danger of harm, call 999.