We have adopted the House of Bishops’ Promoting a Safer Church Policy Safeguarding Policy Statement, which is displayed prominently in our church and can be viewed online.
If you are concerned about something you have experienced in a church, now or in the past, or you are worried about another person – perhaps a vulnerable adult or a child – there are people you can talk to and you will be taken seriously.
The Parish Safeguarding Officer for West Malling is Andy Rathbone. You can contact Andy via this website.
You can also contact the Diocese of Rochester’s Safeguarding team on 01634 560 000 or visit their Webpage at: www.rochester.anglican.org/safeguarding/
As the Kent Downs & Malling Team, we have also have a safeguarding statement online here.
Recognising that speaking to someone from the church may not feel safe for those with a lived experience of abuse from within the church, Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. You can contact the Safe Spaces team through their helpline (0300 303 1056), their live chat facility, or by emailing safespaces@firstlight.org.uk.