Safeguarding
The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults visiting and participating in Cathedral activities is important. Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all. The Cathedral follows the Church of England safeguarding guidance; these policies can be found on the diocesan website. If you have any worries or concerns about yourself or another person that may be being harmed or is at risk of harm, we will do our best to help you. If you have any concerns that an individual working or volunteering at the Cathedral may be acting inappropriately or harming another we want to know.
Our staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities regarding safeguarding.
If a child, young person or adult is in immediate need of protection the police should be called.
Social services in each local authority can also be contacted to advise on a safeguarding concern.
The National Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children operates two 24-hour helplines
Help for children and young people – Childline 0800 1111
Help for adults concerned about a child 0808 800 5000
For victims of domestic abuse National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247
The National Safeguarding Team have also published an interactive guide to safeguarding which provides a useful overview of safeguarding in the Church of England: please see their website.
Statement concerning victims/survivors of abuse
If you have been harmed (or affected) by abuse however long ago, the Safeguarding Team at Rochester Cathedral are here to listen and to support you.
Whether you feel able to report the abuse or would rather access support and talk through the options first, we encourage you to speak with someone. That could be someone you already know, a member of Rochester Cathedral Safeguarding Team or a person at another organisation. Contact details can be found here
