Keeping Safe
Protection of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults
We take safeguarding seriously and have adopted the Church of England Promoting a Safer Church for all our work. All our volunteers have completed a DBS check and safeguarding training, and work under close supervision.
About our Safeguarding Policy
Most of the time at church we are like a big happy family. However, even in very happy families, people can have a bad day and even people we know and trust can upset us. We want to help everyone have good days all of the time. We try to make sure that people who have jobs in the church always behave well and in a way that is helpful to you. We never want anyone or anything in Church to frighten you, confuse you or worry you.
It is important that you tell us if something is upsetting you or if you are feeling worried about something that’s happening or something somebody is doing. We have specially trained people who you can talk to and who you can ask for help. These people are good at safeguarding. This means they look after everyone’s safety. Caring for people is a very important part of our Christian life.
Our Safeguarding Officers are Sarah Wilding (St. John's) and Alison Mayne (village churches)
email: safeguarding@arlevalleychurches.org.uk
The Diocescan Safeguarding Advisor is Jackie Rowlands
email: safeguarding@winchester.anglican.org
Our Rural Dean is Rev David Chattell. T. 01256 389474
If you wish to speak to someone outside the Church you can contact the diocesan safeguarding team, the contact details are available from the link below. There is also information there about other places where you can get independent help or advice.
Included below are sections for the Arle Valley Benefice Safeguarding Policy documents. You will also find these displayed in all three churches.
If you are looking for further advice and guidance the Diocese of Winchester Safeguarding website has a lot of information. There are also a number of local and national helplines and website links on the helplines page of our website.
To register a concern contact Jackie Rowlands, Safeguarding Manager
Tel. 01962 737 317, email: Jackie.rowlands@wincheser.anglican.org.
Out of hours (Monday to Friday 6pm to 8am) or on weekends. Tel. 0300 555 1373
IMPORTANT: If you are worried about a Child or Adult who you believe to be in immediate danger, you must contact the police on 999.
The Arle Valley Benefice Safeguarding documents
Child Protection Policy
Vulnerable Adult Policy
Domestic Abuse Policy
Photography
Please do not take photographs, sound or video recordings during church services and events. As part of our safeguarding, no photography of children is permitted in the churches, John Pearson Hall or during any church activities involving children elsewhere, unless the necessary permissions have been sought from parents and carers, and then the photos and/or videos will only be taken by an authorised person.
Domestic Abuse
Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service/Partnership (covers Hampshire)
Website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/domesticabuse
Safe Spaces
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, Church in Wales or the Catholic Church of England and Wales.
Website: https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Getting support from other organisations
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline:
t. 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Phone if you are worried about a child.
Child-line:
t. 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:
t. 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).
Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans Helpline:
t. 116 123 (open 24 hours).
Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline:
t. 0808 808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
National Rape Crisis Helpline:
t. 0808 802 9999 and is open every day from 12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm.
Past Cases Review (Church of England) NSPCC Helpline
NSPCC helpline for Children and Adults: t. 0800 80 20 20
The Survivors Trust:
t. 0808 801 0818 and is open Monday to Wednesday 10-7.30pm, Thursday 10-6pm and
Friday 10-2pm.
LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline:
t. 0800 999 5428, email: help@galop.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line:
t. 0808 801 0327, email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Age UK Advice Line:
t. 0800 678 1602