Safeguarding

The Catholic Diocese of East Anglia is fully committed to safeguarding in the Church in order to ensure that we maintain peaceful, loving and safe Christian communities in which everybody, particularly young and vulnerable members, can confidently participate. At St Laurence’s, we share this commitment.

It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.

In November 2020, the Catholic Church in England and Wales published a statement on the report from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. The statement can be read HERE.

In September 2022, Bishop Alan Hopes recorded a 6 minute video message about the importance of safeguarding, stressing that it is everyone’s responsibility. It can be viewed HERE.

If you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales you must refer allegations directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or religious congregation, or directly to the police.

If you are a member of the public please refer allegations directly to the police and also to the safeguarding office in your diocese. See contact points below.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police.
Telephone 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.

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Our parish safeguarding representatives have a special responsibility for promoting good and safe practices in all activities involving children, young people and adults at risk, and are the safeguarding link between the parish and the diocese. They also arrange appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks on volunteers.

Our Parish Safeguarding Representatives are:

• Jim O’Sullivan
• Mary Jane O’Sullivan

They can be contacted via e-mail at safeguarding@saintlaurence.org.uk

Useful Contacts

Diocese of East Anglia Safeguarding Coordinator − Mr Mick Thurley

Office telephone: 020 8505 4199
Mobile telephone: 07429 215344
Email: safeguarding.coordinator@east-angliadiocese.org.uk

Diocese of East Anglia Safeguarding

Information can be found on the Diocesan website www.rcdea.org.uk/safeguarding

Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA)

The CSSA has been established to advise on and audit the work of the Catholic Church in England and Wales as it develops the highest calibre regime of safeguarding. www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk

Helpline Contact Details

Childline

Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
Call 0800 1111 (lines open 24/7)
www.childline.org.uk

Hourglass Services (previously Action on Elder Abuse)

Helpline: 0808 808 8141 (lines open 24/7)
www.wearehourglass.org

NAPAC – National Association for People Abused in Childhood

Support for adults abused as children.
Call 0808 801 0331 (lines open Monday to Thursday: 10am to 9pm; Fridays: 10am to 6pm)
www.napac.org.uk

National Domestic Violence Helpline

Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Call 0808 2000 247 (lines open 24/7)
www.refuge.org.uk

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline

Phone if you are worried about a child.
Call 0808 800 5000 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

Replenished

An independent charity which supports those who have experienced abuse and trauma within faith.
Support Line 07746 153 703 (Open Mon & Tue 9am-5pm)
www.replenished.life

Safe Spaces

This is a free, independent support service providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone over 18 who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church of England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
Helpline: 0300 303 1056 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10am-6pm, Thu 12pm-8pm)
www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk

Samaritans

Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Helpline: 116 123 (lines open 24/7)
www.samaritans.org

Stop It Now

Preventing child sexual abuse.
Call 0808 1000 900 (lines open Monday to Thursday: 9am-9pm (excluding Bank Holidays); Fridays: 9-5pm)
www.stopitnow.org.uk

Survivors Trust

Support for people who have experienced sexual assault or rape.
Call 08088 010 818 (lines open Mon-Thu 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-5.30pm, 6pm-8pm, Fri 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-5.30pm, Sat 10am-1pm)
www.thesurvivorstrust.org