[Saint Laurence]

St. Laurence’s Roman Catholic Church

Diocese of East Anglia

Parish Priest:
Fr. Simon Blakesley
(Tel: 07946 390060)

91 Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1XB
Tel/Fax: 01223 704640
Email: office@saintlaurence.org.uk
Office opening times: 10am−1.30pm Monday to Friday

Deacon:
Rev. Geoffrey Cook
(Tel: 01223 351650)

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.


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:

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