Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
Protection of our children and young people is of paramount importance to us.
We have adopted the Safeguarding Policy that has been developed by the Church of England. If you have any concerns at all about the safety of children in our care, please contact our Safeguarding Officer, Tracey Williams on 07587 911258.
Our Safeguarding Policy is here.
Our parish of St Chad’s, Pattingham with Patshull is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Lichfield’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO who is Tracey Williams and can be contacted on 07587 911258 or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Neil Spiring on 01543 306147. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.
Safe Spaces: an independent service supporting survivors of church-related abuse
Launched in September 2020, this service offers support to survivors of church-related abuse whether or not a report has been made. From 9th January 2023, Safe Spaces will be managed by First Light. First Light is an independent organisation with over 25 years` experience supporting those who have experienced or are experiencing sexual abuse/and or domestic violence and abuse. They provide confidential, independent and specialist support; this support is trauma-informed and victim-led. As previous, Safe Spaces will continue to offer emotional support and advocacy services for victims and survivors of church related abuse.
Support from Safe Spaces may involve:
- Support from Safe Spaces may involve:
- A space to be listened to and heard.
- An individualised communications plan – where service users may say how and when they would like to be contacted.
- A risk assessment and personalised safety plan.
- Psychoeducational support.
- Safety and stabilisation.
- Advocacy around reporting to Churches and statutory services.
- Signposting to other support services.
Whilst support can be therapeutic in nature, it is distinct from counselling. Victims and survivors wishing to access counselling services will be supported to consider the options available to them, including NHS, Church and voluntary sector provision.
The Safe Spaces Services telephone number is: 0300 303 1056
Opening hours will be extended to Monday to Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9-1pm and Sunday 1-5pm (excluding bank holidays, subject to review). The email address is and the website can be found at safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk