St Stephen’s Church regards safeguarding as a priority. In the interests of the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people and vulnerable adults, we operate a formal Safeguarding policy.

We are committed to…

Promoting a safer environment and culture.

Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.

Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.

Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.

Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.

Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

Who to contact

Reporting abuse can be very difficult, if you have either been abused or are being abused now, there is help and support available. In addition to contacting Jan or Hannah, you may also contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (Rochester Diocese) on 01634 560000 or email dsasafeguarding@rochester.anglican.org.

More information about support for victims and survivors is available on the Diocese of Rochester website.

Other useful organisations

DAVSS is a West Kent charity supporting men and women experiencing domestic abuse.

thirtyone:eight (formerly CCPAS) is an independent Christian safeguarding charity.

ChildLine helps anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re facing.