Every human being has a value and dignity which we as Catholics acknowledge as coming directly from God’s creation of male and female in his own image and likeness. This implies a duty to value all people and therefore to support them and protect them from harm. In the Catholic Church this is demonstrated by the provision of carefully planned activities for children, young people and adults; supporting families under stress; caring for those hurt by abuse in the past; ministering to and managing those who have caused harm.

It is because of these varied ministries that we need to provide a safe environment for all which promotes and supports their well-being. This will include carefully selecting and appointing those who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults and responding robustly where concerns arise.

All volunteers working with vulnerable groups must agree to adhere to the Catholic Church’s National Safeguarding Policies before they can be appointed.

The Parish Safeguarding Representative has special responsibility for promoting good and safe practices in all activities involving children, young people and vulnerable adults within the parish. The Parish Safeguarding Representative is the link between the parish and the diocese and as such is in regular contact with the Diocesan Safeguarding Co-ordinator and Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.

The Parish Safeguarding Representative attends training sessions and has a sound knowledge of the policies and procedures and also who to contact. The Parish Safeguarding Representative is involved in the recruitment of people to roles within the parish and has the responsibility for facilitating the Disclosure and Barring Service, (DBS – formerly known as CRB), pre-appointment vetting checks at parish level and ensuring that everybody who is required to go through the procedure does so.

The Parish Safeguarding Representative: Richard Mishra

Email: [email protected]

The Diocesan Safeguarding Co-ordinator:

Becky Cawsey
Diocesan Office for the Protection of Children
Alexander House
Bristol
BS5 0TX

Tel: 0117 954 0993
email: [email protected]

Our diocese’s safeguarding details can be found here: https://cliftondiocese.com/departments/safeguarding/

Resources

http://www.catholicmentalhealthproject.org.uk/helplines 

Mental Health – Catholic Mental Health Project

This website has a range of resources to help increase spiritual and pastoral support for those with mental health challenges, their families and carers. You might find an article on coping during the COVID crisis helpful: http://www.catholicmentalhealthproject.org.uk/news/what-can-catholics-do-to-protect-their-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales established a Mental Health Project in response to concerns raised during “Listening 2004: My Family My Church”.The aims of the Bishops’ Mental Health Project are to:

*Offer support and resources to local Catholic communities as they respond to those facing mental health challenges

*Identify and highlight good practice in pastoral care for those with mental health needs, their families and carers

*Develop a network of those within the Catholic community in England and Wales with a special interest in locally based mental health support.