Safeguarding at St John's -
Promoting a Safer Church
Making sure that St John's is a safe environment for all our members is a responsibility we take very seriously. We especially want St John's to be a safe environment for children, young people, and those adults who are considered vulnerable.
As a church we have adopted the House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, incorporating the House of Bishop’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.
Our PCC has formally adopted this and signed the Safeguarding Policy Statement Promoting a Safer Church. You can view the signed copy on display in the church entrance area.
We have a Safeguarding team at St John's led by Rev Steve Haskett, our Vicar. Steve brings to bear 9 years of police service in this role. Steve can be contacted on 01253 299614. The Church Wardens, Mr Howard Deane, or Mr Dave Bannister, can also be contacted on that same number in Steve's absence.
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) is Mrs Sarah Fallon. Sarah is a retired member of the Institute of Welfare Officers. She spent thirty years working in Housing and Care settings. Her responsibilities included managing supported accommodation for vulnerable unsupported mums , and then at the other end of the age spectrum, managing supported living homes for seniors. Sarah was also a foster mum for several years. Sarah is the first point of contact for any concerns or allegations with regards to safeguarding issues connected with St John's Church. You can contact Sarah via 07887 646001 or email sarahfallon@live.co.uk.
Sarah is supported in this work by Mrs Lisa Haskett, Lisa is a trained Children's Worker, working as a Teaching Assistant in a local primary school. Being aware of all the latest safeguarding best practice is a key component of Lisa's job. Lisa takes responsibility for making sure all the DBS checks are up to date and that everyone we have working with u18's or vulnerable adults is a fit and proper person to do so.
Mrs Lauren Platt is our Children and Families Pastor. Lauren is a qualified primary school teacher with extensive experience in children's work and leads our growing children's ministry. Lauren can be contacted via 01253 299614 or email lauren.stjohnsblackpool@gmail.com
We have also displayed the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church, in the entrance area and in places where ministry to children and vulnerable adults takes place.
All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment, received safeguarding training and support.
Reporting a concern
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) in the first instance, who can seek further advice from Sharon Hassall, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA), as necessary.
Sharon's contact details are:
Telephone: 01254 503070
Mobile: 07711 485170
Email: sharon.hassall@blackburn.anglican.org
Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2Q
Links to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be found here:
https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/diocesan-safeguarding-team
https://www.blackburn.anglican.org/reporting-a-safeguarding-concern
Finding support
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).