Lancaster Priory takes safeguarding matters seriously and adheres to the policies and requirements of the Diocese of Blackburn for the care of children and vulnerable adults. As a parish / 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 Parish Safeguarding Policy 2024, “Promoting a Safer Church”.
Details of our parish safeguarding officer and other officers can be found in the Safeguarding – Who’s who.
We have also displayed the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church / parish
All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment, received safeguarding training and support.
Reporting a concern
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Gill Witt 07827 918913 or click here to email
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer(s) (PSO) in the first instance, who can seek further advice from Cath Smith, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA), as necessary.
Safeguarding concerns in a school/university/prison/healthcare setting should be raised with the relevant organisation’s Safeguarding team. If the concern involves one of our chaplains, please also contact Cath Smith direct.
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Cath Smith
Telephone: 01254 503088
Mobile: 0771 148 5170
Email: [email protected]
Address: Diocese Offices, Clayton House, Walker Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2Q
Emergency Safeguarding Advice
From June 1, 2021 when the DSA is unavailable (due to being on holiday or other absence) you are now able to receive emergency safeguarding cover via thirtyone:eight* on their helpline 0303 003 1111.
This helpline is available 5pm to midnight weekdays and at weekends, in addition to holiday periods. The safeguarding helpline is not available between midnight and 7am.
*thirtyone:eight is an independent Christian charity which helps individuals, organisations, charities, faith and community groups to protect vulnerable people from abuse.
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
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.
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).