Safeguarding

At St Oswald’s Parish Church we take the safety of all in our care very seriously, particularly for children and adults who may be at risk.

All of our staff and volunteer roles working with under eighteens and adults who may be at risk, have up-to-date Disclosure & Barring Service (police record) checks where required.

You can read more in our safeguarding policy

Reporting abuse

If you have concerns about the safety of children or adults at St Oswald’s Church, you can contact any of the following:

• Rev’d Tim Ferguson 07814 797484
• Steve Hogarth (Parish Safeguarding Officer) 07914439290

or

Diocesan Safeguarding Team

• Jill Thirlaway, Safeguarding Casework Advisor
• email: safeguarding@newcastle.anglican.org
• website: www.newcastle.anglican.org/safeguarding

If a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires medical attention, call the emergency services on 999.

Reporting abuse to local authorities

Contact details for local authority statutory services in the Newcastle area, for guidance or to report on a safeguarding concern about a vulnerable adult or child or young person:

• Newcastle: Report suspected adult abuse and neglect
• Newcastle: Report a concern about a child or young person
• Domestic Abuse Newcastle Support Directory

Finding Support

SAFE SPACES is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.

If you have been affected, however long ago, SAFE SPACES can provide you with support.

• Safe Spaces

Other Support Services

We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing to you and it may add to your hurt by our not being able to immediately assist you. Therefore here are the contact details 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.
• Childline: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
• National Domestic Abuse 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.
• Hourglass Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 ( free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
• Rape Crisis Helpline
• Modern Slavery Helpline – 0800 0121 700 – open 24/7-365
• The Dogs Trust Freedom – support for dog owners finding freedom from domestic abuse
• Make A Change – support for anyone who’s worried about how they’re treating their partner or ex-partner, as well as the family, friends and professionals who want to help them change.