Menu

Heathfield Benefice

The Church of England in Your Community

Safeguarding

Wooden Cross on outside of St Richard's Church


 

In Heathfield Benefice we take Safeguarding seriously. Our two parishes each have a designated Safeguarding Officer whose contact details can be found on the who's who page of this website and each PCC has been achieved Level 1 of “Simple Quality Protects” a kite-mark scheme put together by the Diocese of Chichester to ensure Parishes are adhering to a good standard of Safeguarding Practice. 

 


































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Our message is simple “Safeguarding is Everyone’s responsibility” and so if you have a concern you must report it.

 





























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Included below are sections for both All Saints' & St George's, and for St Richard's with the relevant Parish Safeguarding Policy documents. You will also find these displayed in all three churches. 

 





























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































If you are looking for further advice and guidance the Diocese of Chichester Safeguarding website has a lot of information. There are also a number of local and national helplines and website links on the helplines page of our website. 

 




























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































IMPORTANT: If you are worried about a Child or Adult who you believe to be in immediate danger, you must contact the police on 999.

Our helplines page lists a number of organisations which you may find useful to seek advice if you have a concern either for yourself or someone you know.

Abuse within a domestic context during Covid 19



Due to Government guidance on Covid-19 people are having to stay in their homes for longer periods of time with household members and with fewer opportunities for contact and support by the 'outside world', be that family and friends, colleagues or statutory agencies. This means that the safety and welfare of some people will be compromised and there is a heightened risk for people to be abused within the home, both adults and children. 

 

Click here for a useful guidance document. If you have a concern, please speak out.




 









Looking after your mental health and those around you



You will probably have heard quite a lot in the media in recent months about the impact of the pandemic and lockdown on our mental health. Many of us will know of people who may be struggling with this, but aren't sure how we can help to support them. The team at Together in Sussex has produced a short, animated video with help and advice for those wanting to be able to offer support to friends or family members who may be struggling. You can view the video below. 





 

 

The outbreak of Coronovirus might be causing fear and anxiety in both adults and children especially if you are self-isolating. It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Finding ways to cope with this stress will make you, your family and your community stronger. 




Click here for a document with helpful tips to keep your mind, body and spirit healthy.



 

All Saints' & St George's Parish Safeguarding documents



St Richard's Parish Safeguarding documents


If you have any queries about Safeguarding in either of our Parishes or you would like to raise a concern, please contact one of our Parish Safeguarding Officers. Alternatively you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor.