Safeguarding
Koinonia Evangelical Church is committed to ensuring the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of everyone who comes into contact with the charity.
As a fellowship we are committed to the safety and welfare of all of the children in our care, all our Sunday School teachers and support staff are DBS checked, and we keep to a safeguarding policy which can be seen upon request. We are also members of Thirtyone:eight (previously known as CCPAS).
Proverbs 31:8 - Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute
Safeguarding Co-Ordinator: Susan Keogh 07802 322048 safeguarding@koinonia-andover.com
Safeguarding Deputy Co-Ordinator: Rebecca Avery 07843 116220
Below you will find the Koinonia Evengelical Church Safeguarding Policy Statement. Please scroll down to access information on resources available for those looking for support.
Safeguarding Policy Statement
The following statement has been agreed by the Trustees of Koinonia Evangelical Church: September 2018
This church is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults with care and support needs, and to ensuring their well-being.
• We believe that all children and adults at risk should know that they are valued within the church and safely enjoy and have access to every aspect of the life of our church.
• We respect the personal dignity and rights of children and adults with care and support needs (for example, as set out in the Human Rights Act 1989 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) and will ensure that our policies and procedures reflect this.
• We will implement the requirements of the Care Act 2014 and the Equality Act 2010 and all other relevant legislation
• We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect of children under 18 years of age.
• We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, financial, discriminatory abuse and neglect of adults with care and support needs and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.
• We recognise that domestic abuse affects both adults and children and believe that domestic abuse in all its forms is unacceptable and inconsistent with a Christian way of living.
• We will report any abuse of children or adults at risk that we discover or suspect.
• Where an allegation suggests that a criminal offence may have been committed, the police will be contacted as a matter of urgency.
• We recognise that Children’s Services has responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about a child, and that Adult Services do so for adults with care and support needs.
• We acknowledge that Local Authority Designated Officers (LADOs) have responsibility for dealing with all allegations and concerns about people working with children, whether paid or voluntary workers.
• We recognise that safeguarding is a whole church responsibility.
We are committed to:
• The establishment of a loving environment, which is safe and caring, and where there is an informed vigilance about the dangers of abuse.
• Providing safe, adequate pastoral care to all who request it
• Following the relevant legislation, statutory, denominational and specialist guidelines in relation to safeguarding children and adults with care and support needs.
• Ensuring that we keep up to date with national and local developments relating to safeguarding.
• Building constructive links with the relevant Voluntary and Statutory Authorities.
• Taking all reasonable steps to ensure that as a church, everyone works within the agreed procedures of our safeguarding policies.
• Supporting the Safeguarding Coordinator and Deputy in their work and in any action they may need to take in order to protect children and adults with care and support needs.
• Following safer recruitment principles in the appointment and selection of all those who work in positions of trust, be they volunteer or paid staff.
• Supporting, supervising, resourcing and training all those who undertake work with children and adults with care and support needs
• Ensuring that the children and adults we have contact with know that they are valued and feel empowered to tell us if they are suffering harm.
• Reporting any abuse of children or adults with care and support needs that we discover or suspect.
• Supporting all those in our church who are affected by abuse.
• Supporting and supervising those who pose a risk to children or adults with care and support needs, implementing contracts of behaviour, whilst bearing in mind the overarching principle that the welfare of the child is paramount.
• If an assessment is made that someone poses an unmanageable risk to those in need of protection and could not safely attend our church, we will ensure that they continue to be offered pastoral care and will signpost them to appropriate agencies for support.
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PLEASE REMEMBER TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE
Listed below are some organisations who provide support in difficult times.
For those seeking advice about issues relating to adults who are vulnerable due to age, physical or learning disability:
Care Quality Commission (CQC) 03000 616161 - If you are concerned about possible abuse or neglect in a residential, hospital or domiciliary care service, you can contact CQC at enquiries@cqc.org.uk
Age UK 0800 678 1602 www.ageuk.org.uk
Hourglass – Advice line to assist reporting of elder abuse: 0808 808 8141 free texting service to 078 6005 2906 https://wearehourglass.org
Through the Roof – Equipping Churches to provide opportunities for those with disabilities: 01372 749955 www.throughtheroof.org
Southern Counties Baptist Association: Christian organisation for people with learning difficulties: www.scba.org.uk
National Autistic Society – Supporting people and families living with autism – www.autism.org
For concerns regarding abuse of an adult contact Hampshire Adult services on 0300 555 1386
For those looking for support relating to abuse and violence:
Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Help line for male victims of domestic abuse: www.mensadviceline.org.uk 0808 8010327
Safe lives is an organisation focused on ending domestic abuse. safelives.org.uk
Victim Support: Support victims of crime: 0808 168 9111 www.victimsupport.org.uk
Hampshire Domestic Abuse Advice Line: 0330 165 112
For those looking for support with their mental health or advice about a loved one:
Mind – Advice and support to empower anyone experiencing mental health problems: 0300 123 3393 www.mind.org.uk
Giveusashout.org or Text SHOUT to 85258 which is a free 24/7 confidential text service for mental health support.
For those struggling to come to terms with a physical disability or limitation:
www.longcovid.org
www.ableize.com/disabled-groups-and-clubs-by-county/hampshire
