At St Mary Magdalene church we aim to foster a safe environment for people to explore the Christian faith and build supportive relationships. And we believe that it’s especially important to be looking out for those people who are vulnerable in some way.

We have a rigorous safeguarding policy, a designated safeguarding officer and a regular programme of DBS checking and safeguarding training. Our Safeguarding Handbook can be downloaded here.

Our Contacts page gives details of how to get in touch with various people at the church, including Jayne Metcalfe – our designated Safeguarding Officer. Please call Jayne on 07713639896, if you have any concerns regarding the safety of someone at our church.

Further information is available on the Diocese of Newcastle Safeguarding Website including the leaflet ‘You will be listened to’. The Church of England also has a central ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ website.

If you have concerns, please know that it is better to share them! If you are worried by something you’ve noticed, then someone else is probably worried, too. And if you speak up about your concerns, then it could be the first step in helping someone at risk to get the support they need.