Safeguarding

Formal Safeguarding Statement

Here at St John's church we take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and we are committed to ensuring that our church is a safe place for all.

The PCC has adopted the Church of England’s policies and best practice on safeguarding which can be found here on the Church of England’s website and on the Rochester Diocese website.

A formal statement to adopt the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy statement ‘Promoting a Safer Church’, the procedures and guidance of the Church of England’s Parish Safeguarding Handbook, Safer Environment and Activities was agreed and signed by the Parochial Church Council and Churchwardens. The statement is displayed on the safeguarding noticeboard in the church centre.

Local contacts available to speak to if you have any concerns

Name: Mrs Naomi Vallely
Role: Parish Safeguarding Coordinator 
Tel: 07554 038373
E-mail:

Name: Miss Sophie Matthews
Role: Deputy Parish Safeguarding Coordinator
Tel: 07921853493
E-mail: 

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers:

Thirtyone:eight (CCPAS) provide an out of hours service from 17.00hrs on Fridays until 08.00hrs on Mondays. 

Please call them on 0303 003 1111. If a matter requires an immediate response please call 999

Local Authority Social Services:

Kent County Council (KCC) Central Referral: 

  Adult: Office hours 03000 41 61 61, outside office hours 03000 41 91 91                                         

  Children: Office hours 03000 41 11 11, outside office hours 03000 41 91 91

IF THERE IS IMMEDIATE RISK OR DANGER PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE ON 999.

Reporting abuse can be very difficult, if you have either been abused or are being abused now, there is help and support available.  

A support page can be found on the Diocese of Rochester website here.