Safeguarding

We are committed to making Ashtead parish churches a friendly, welcoming and safe place, especially for those who are young or vulnerable in any way. All those working or volunteering with children or vulnerable adults undergo regular safeguarding training and have a current DBS check.

As part of the Church of England, we adopt their latest guidance and policies

In recognition that safeguarding is the concern of everybody at St Giles’ and St George’s churches, please find below the link to online Basic Awareness training, that all are welcome to complete to better understand the issues. Please click on the link below to access the training portal. You will be asked to register first and then follow the links to the Basic Awareness tab – an online training that takes about 30-40 minutes.

Safeguarding Team

If you have any concerns, or feel troubled about an issue, it is important that you speak to someone rather than keep it to yourself. We promise to listen to you, and respond to your concerns. It is fine to talk to us about anyone at all, whoever they are, including respected leaders or well-loved volunteers. Please be assured that your concerns will be treated seriously and confidentially.

You can also contact :

one of our churchwardens: Andy Carter (andy.carter@ashteadparish.org) and Malcolm Leighton (Malcolm.leighton@ashteadparish.org)

Or if you prefer to go directly to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Jackie Broadfoot, please email Jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk, phone 07918 559387.

The diocese safeguarding team can be contacted on 01483 790379, or email safeguarding@cofeguildford.org.uk.

The Makin Review

You may be aware of the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby over the findings of the long awaited Makin Review into the Church of England’s handling of allegations of serious abuse by the late John Smyth, was published. In response The Bishop of Guildford has published a statement.

We want to let you know that we are available to speak with anyone who has concerns and can signpost you to appropriate support. Please get in touch with us.

Some useful contacts:

IF IMMEDIATE HELP IS NEEDED CALL 999

Safe Spaces: an independent service supporting survivors of church-related abuse. 0300 303 1056 or safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk.

MACSAS: support for all who have been abused by people in the church.

www.macsas.org.uk.

The Single Point of Access (SPA)

Children and Adult Service social workers: direct information, advice and guidance about where and how to find appropriate support for children and families

Surrey Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (SMASH): 0300 470 9100

Children: cspa@surreycc.gov.uk

Adults: acsmash@surreycc.gov.uk

Domestic Abuse:

East Surrey Domestic Abuse service: esdas.org.uk. phone 01737 771350 or email support@esdas.org.uk
Surrey – YourSanctuary: 01483 776822
24hr National Domestic Abuse Helpline : 0808 2000247

DeafHope (BSL) : text 07970 350366

Childline 0800 1111
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)

0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk

Samaritans : 116123 (24 hour helpline) or jo@samaritans.org (email takes longer)

Modern Day Slavery Helpline : 0800 01210700

Surrey Crisis Mental Health Helpline : 0800 915 4644, open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day

Stop it Now! : 0808 1000 900 www.stopitnow.org.uk