Diocesan Life and Safeguarding
Every human being has a value and dignity which we as Catholics recognise as coming directly from God’s creation of male and female in his own image and likeness. Our diocese therefore must be a place of welcome, where each person is respected, where we receive and share our unique gifts, protect each other and those who we come into contact with.
In the Diocese of Lancaster this commitment should be evidenced by carefully planned activities, our care for those who have been hurt by abuse, our response when concerns arise, and the way in which we minister to and manage those who have caused harm.
The Diocese of Lancaster is working towards compliance with The National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and to following the national catholic safeguarding procedures. The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) is our regulatory body.
These can be viewed on: – https://www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk
Are you troubled by abuse?
Are you worried that someone you know is being groomed or harmed?
- The Diocesan Safeguarding Office is here to help. We will listen, your concerns will be taken seriously, and be acted upon as necessary. We will support you to find the help you need.
Tel: 01524 596069 or e mail sharon.tipping@lancasterrcdiocese.org.uk
- Alternatively you can contact Safe Spaces – a free independent confidential helpline for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with the Catholic Church in England and Wales
Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
Live Chat & Website: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
- If you are concerned for your own or someone else’s immediate safety you should call the police.
Do you want to volunteer?
There are many roles which are needed to support the pastoral and liturgical life of our diocese. Some roles may involve responsibility for, or significant regular contact with, children or adults at risk. E.g.:-Altar Servers, Catechists, Youth Group Leaders, Eucharistic Ministers, Parish Safeguarding Representatives, Musicians
Volunteers for such roles must be safely recruited. Speak to your Parish Priest and Parish Safeguarding Rep to find out what a role entails. Your Parish Safeguarding Rep will provide you with the necessary forms including those to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service check (if one is required)
Any particular queries about recruitment or DBS should be addressed to the Safeguarding Office Tel 01524 596069 or email safeguarding@lancasterrcdiocese.org.uk
Safeguarding Training
The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency Learning Portal is available through the following link
Home (catholicsafeguarding.org.uk)
This is available to every member of the catholic community free of charge.
- Do you work with children or young people within the Church environment?
- Are you a Eucharistic Minister to the sick and housebound?
- Are you worried about an adult who seems unable to care for themselves or is vulnerable to exploitation?
To enrol
E mail safeguarding@lancasterrcdiocese.org.uk and we will advise you on the appropriate level of training for your role within the Church.