Safeguarding

St Mary’s is a church where all are affirmed, welcomed and valued, recognising that we are each made in the image of God. As such we are committed to promoting a safer church environment for everyone. 

We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to nurture and care for children, young people and vulnerable adults in a safe and secure environment and to prevent harm wherever possible. Within that shared responsibility, we have some people with particular roles to play to make sure we are working within the Safeguarding Policies and Guidance of the Diocese of Bristol and the Church of England. Details are outlined on this page.

If a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention, call 999. You do not need their permission to do this.

If you have immediate concerns about the welfare of a child, please phone the NSPCC 24 hour helpline: 0808 800 5000.  

Safeguarding in the parish

​If you are concerned about something you’ve experienced or witnessed in church or believe someone you know is at risk of being abused, or presents a risk to others, please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer - Alan Emond on 07773 141838. Alan can offer support, advice and guidance about what actions may need to be taken, if any. 

If you are unable to raise a concern within our parish team for whatever reason, you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team who are available from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Email: safeguarding@bristoldiocese.org or phone: 0117 9060100 ​​

Information for Survivors of Abuse

Safe Spaces: 0300 303 1056

Is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has experienced any kind of abuse or coercive and controlling behaviour, through their relationship with either the Church of England, Church in Wales or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. 

NAPAC: 0808 801 0331

NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.

Other Helplines

Bristol City Council, Social Services: adult 0117 9222700, children 0117 9036444

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

Childline: 0800 1111

Stop it now: 0808 1000 900

Samaritans: 116 123

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse): 080 8808 8141