A Concern to Report?

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm or you have experienced abuse, please don’t delay in reporting your concerns to:

Police:

Emergencies using 999 or 101 for non-urgent matters

Adult or Children’s Services of your Local Authority:

Find your Local Authority contact details via https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse-to-local-council

The Diocese of Chester takes its safeguarding responsibilities very seriously. We follow the House of Bishops' Policy and Practice Guidance. These are published by the Church of England and can be found here.

Any individual who wishes to come forward with information or to make a disclosure in respect of a church based concern is encouraged to speak with their Parish Safeguarding Officer or to make direct contact with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

For all reporting and advice/enquires please email: safeguarding@chester.anglican.org.

(Please note, this email address is monitored between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.)

For general safeguarding enquiries, call 01928 718834 option 4 between the hours of 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

For out-of-hours safeguarding advice for Chester Diocese parishes, ring our partner organisation, Thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111.

An Information Sharing Agreement between the two organisations will allow for the DSA to receive a copy of the advice that Thirtyone:eight may offer the parish/caller to ensure appropriate follow up and support. Please make sure when contacting Thirtyone:eight that you inform them that you are calling from the Diocese of Chester.

Safe Spaces

We recognise that for those with lived experience of abuse from within the Church may want to speak to a different independent charity specialising in supporting victims and survivors of abuse. Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service that provides a confidential, personal, and safe space for anyone (now over the age of 18) who has been abused by someone in the Church. 

Contact Safe Spaces Helpline: 0300 303 1056

Monday to Friday: 9am - 9pm

Saturdays: 9am - 1pm

Sundays: 1pm - 5pm

Childline

Children and young people can call on 0800 1111

24 hours, 7 days a week.