Safeguarding

Keeping everyone safe

We want our church to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Every person is made in the image and likeness of God, and caring for the most vulnerable is part of our Christian calling. We are committed to protecting children, young people and adults who may be at risk, and to responding well to anyone who has been harmed.

If you are worried about someone

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

If you have a concern about a child or an adult in our parish, please speak to our Parish Safeguarding Officer or to our parish priest. You will be listened to and taken seriously. Please do not try to investigate the concern yourself.

Parish Safeguarding Officer: [NAME TO BE CONFIRMED], [EMAIL TO BE CONFIRMED]

Parish priest: Fr Symeon Menne, queries@stanthonythegreat.org.uk

You can also contact the statutory services directly:

  • A concern about a child in Newcastle: Children's Social Care, 0191 277 2500 (Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5pm). Out of hours, call 0191 278 7878 and ask for the Emergency Duty Team.

  • A concern about an adult in Newcastle: Adult Social CarePoint, 0191 278 7878 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm). Out of hours, call the same number and ask for the Emergency Duty Team.

  • Independent advice: the thirtyone:eight Safeguarding Helpline, 0303 003 11 11.

  • If you live outside Newcastle, please contact your own local council.

Our safeguarding policy

This policy was adopted by the trustees of the Greek Orthodox Community of St Anthony the Great on [DATE TO BE CONFIRMED]. It applies to our clergy, trustees and volunteers, and to everyone who helps with parish activities. This includes services, catechism classes, children's and youth activities, events in the church hall, and online activities.

We will:

  • Appoint a Parish Safeguarding Officer, and make sure everyone knows how to contact them.

  • Recruit safely. Anyone working with children or adults at risk will be asked for references and, where the role requires it, an enhanced DBS check. Our DBS checks are carried out through thirtyone:eight.

  • Train our clergy and volunteers in safeguarding when they start, and refresh this training at least every three years.

  • Follow a clear code of conduct. Activities with children are supervised by at least two adults. Adults avoid being alone with a child out of sight of others. Online contact with young people takes place through parish channels and with parental consent.

  • Ask parents for permission before taking or sharing photographs of children, and never publish a child's full name with their photograph.

  • Respond promptly to every concern or allegation. We will listen, write down what was said, and pass it on to the right agencies without delay. We will inform the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, and cooperate fully with the police and social services.

  • Offer care and support to anyone who has been harmed, and to others affected.

  • Manage the risk from anyone who may pose a danger to others, while still caring for them pastorally.

  • Keep safeguarding records securely and confidentially, and share information only as the law allows.

  • Expect groups who hire or use our premises to have their own safeguarding arrangements.

  • Review this policy every year, or sooner if the law or guidance changes.

We are members of thirtyone:eight, the independent Christian safeguarding charity, and follow their guidance and the local safeguarding procedures for Newcastle.