Safeguarding
St. Mary’s takes its responsibility for children, young people and vulnerable adults very seriously and their welfare is paramount in all areas of parish life.
Clergy, lay staff and volunteers who work within the organisation and/or as part of the congregation are required to follow good policy and practice to ensure that children, young people and vulnerable adults are safeguarded and nurtured physically, emotionally and spiritually. High professional standards are maintained in all worship and all pastoral, counselling, educational, and recreational situations involving children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Steve Oliver is currently our Safeguarding Officer who oversees that all clergy, lay staff, volunteers and members of our congregation working with or seeking to work with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults are properly recruited, screened, trained and supported.
If you need to contact our Safeguarding Officer please email Steve Oliver on safeguarding@stmary-portchester.org.uk or call him on 07999 818966..
If you prefer to talk to someone outside of the parish, contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team on safeguarding@portsmouth.anglican.org or 02392 899665.
Also as per the current Safeguarding Policy of St. Mary’s Portchester the Parish Church Council (PCC) has formally adopted the House of Bishop’s ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ Policy.
We also work in collaboration with the Portsmouth Diocese Safeguarding Team who give guidance if there are concerns that a child or adult who may be vulnerable has been harmed and urgent action is needed.
Other Helpful Links
- Portsmouth Safeguarding Children
- Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults
- NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
- Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Modern Slavery Partnership
- Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
- Action on Elder Abuse : 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
- The Survivor’s Trust: 08088 010 818 (free phone Monday to Wednesday 10am-7.30pm, Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-2pm)