Safeguarding

Every human being has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

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“Protecting All God’s Children” The policy for safeguarding in the Church of England, paragraph 1.6

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At St Andrew's we are committed to the care, nurture of and respectful pastoral ministry with all children and all adults. We take our responsibility to safeguard and protect all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable extremely seriously. We are committed to doing all we can to be a safe, caring community, loving each other and maintaining a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.

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Our safeguarding policy can be found here.

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What to do if you have a safeguarding concern

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If someone is in immediate danger

If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger, or requires immediate medical attention, call emergency services on 999.

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If there is no risk of immediate harm

If you do not think there is a risk of immediate harm, please speak to a safeguarding professional about your concern as soon as possible. If you have significant concerns please report to children's social service or adult's social services without delay. 

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Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Natacha Huggett. You can contact Natacha by email with any questions or concerns at safeguarding@standrewsheadington.co.uk.

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You can also contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team with any questions or concerns:

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During office hours

Call 01865 208 295 or email safeguardingreferrals@oxford.anglican.org for urgent safeguarding concerns Monday to Thursday 9am – 5pm and Friday 9am – 4.30pm.

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You can also contact Sophie Harrold, our area safeguarding adviser directly if you prefer: 07350 359809

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Get Support – Safe Spaces

The Safe Spaces website can be found here. Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.

 

Although the churches have funded the service, it is run independently by the charity Victim Support, who are one of the leading charities providing specialist support to survivors of abuse in England and Wales.

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If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in immediate danger.