St Mark's - Safeguarding
We take the safeguarding and care of children and vulnerable adults very seriously at St Mark’s. Every person who works with children or vulnerable adults has to be DBS checked. Training is provided to all with church responsibilities both paid and volunteers. In addition, those who hire our facilities have to abide by the diocesan safeguarding policy (see Hiring our Church & Hall). St Mark’s has adopted the diocesan safeguarding policy which you can find here.
Our Safeguarding officer is Sandy Blewitt/Reynolds who should be contacted via safeguarding@stmarkswimbledon.org.uk or on 075466149065 for advice or concerns about safeguarding matters relating to our church.
We are part of Southwark diocese who also provide support to us in safeguarding matters. Contact details safeguarding@southwark.anglican.org
020 7939 9441 (Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm). An email is preferred especially initially.
Emergencies
If you suspect you or someone is at risk of immediate harm, phone 999 If you are worried that a child, young person, or adult is at risk of being harmed, abused or neglected, contact social services within your local authority area which can be found via
www.gov.uk/find-local-council. We in the London borough of Merton and details of how to contact them about safeguarding children and adults are available on their website:- www.safeguardinginmerton.org.uk
Safe Spaces
The Church of England, working with the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales and the Church in Wales, has launched a free and independent national helpline run by Victim Support for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with the church. Find out more information about the service at www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/
Other Support Services
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Website: //hubofhope.co.uk.
Safeguarding at Merton Council: What You Can Do - Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership
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: 0800 0699 784 (freephone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
