St. Matthew’s Church takes seriously its safeguarding responsibilities. We follow the church of England’s national guidelines and the House of Bishops safeguarding policy “promoting a safer church”. Please visit the Diocese of Rochester’s website to access more information on national policies and safeguarding training.
We also have our own safeguarding policy as a church, which you can find here St. Matt’s Church Safeguarding Policy 2024
If you are concerned that you or someone you know is at risk of harm or abuse, or is a risk to others, then please contact our safeguarding officer:
Julia Church – Parish Safeguarding Officer for children and young people (under 18) and also for vulnerable adults
Call: 07711 950655 or Email: safeguarding@stmattschurch.org.uk
If you would rather speak to someone outside of the Parish you can approach the Diocesan Safeguarding Team:
Call: 01634 560000 or Email: Greg.barry@rochester.anglican.org
If you are worried about a child or young person (under 18 years) and the information you have suggests that a child is at immediate risk of being harmed, you should tell the police without delay. This is an emergency and it is appropriate therefore to use the police emergency number 999.
If you are worried about a child but do not think that there is a risk of immediate harm, you should still speak to someone who can help as soon as possible (the same day). Whilst you can contact our safeguarding officer, we are not an emergency service or a replacement for the Local Authority Children’s Service teams, and you should approach your local Children’s Services.
Kent County Council Social Services
Concerned about an adult? Call: 03000 41 61 61 (text relay 18001 03000 41 61 61)
Concerned about a child? Call: 03000 41 11 11 (text relay 18001 03000 41 11 11)
or email social.services@kent.gov.uk
Other Useful Numbers
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111
Stop It Now: 0808 1000 900
National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): 0808 801 0331
Samaritans: 116 123
Family Lives: 0808 800 2222
Action On Elder Abuse: 080 8808 8141
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 8010 327
National Careline: 0800 0699 784
If you would like more information about support available for victims or survivors of abuse, please click here
St. Matthew’s Church is committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance.
A formal statement to adopt the House of Bishops’ “Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy statement” was agreed by the Parochial Church Council and recorded in the minutes of the meeting on 13th May 2024. You can access a copy of the House of Bishops safeguarding policy here.
