If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention, call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.
The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Church.
Our commitments:
- Promoting a safer enviroment and culture
- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults
- Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
- Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons
- Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns/allegations of abuse or other affected persons
- Responding to those that may pose a present risk
Reporting a concern
If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999
Any safeguarding concerns at St James’ Church should be brought to the attention of the local Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSO) in the first instance:
- For Children – Claire Greenway who can be contacted at
- For Adults – Neville Norcross who can be contacted at
The PSO can seek further advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team as necessary.
Concerns can also be raised directly with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
Safeguarding Team Contact Details
Tel: 01254 503088
Assistant DSA, Sophie Booth
07468971759
DSA, Catherine Smith,
07711485170
Safeguarding Trainer, Andrea Richards
07484073146
Safeguarding Administrator, Claudia Aspey
01254 503088
Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Office Business Park,
Blackburn, BB1 2QE
Finding support
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the church directly. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
- Thirty One: Eight: 0303 003 1111 (out of hours and weekend safeguarding advice)
- 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: 08457 90 90 90 (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)
- Safe Spaces: 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. If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. Contact SafeSpaces