The churches at Harrington and Distington are committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops’ guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Carlisle’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information, including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO.

If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm, please contact the PSO Alisha Kilgour or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor Joanna Van Lachterop. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.

Safeguarding policies

• Safeguarding Policy
• Responding to a safeguarding concern
• Recruitment of ex-offenders
• Safer Recruitment policy

Safeguarding Officers

Other contacts

Children’s Services 0333 240 1727

Adult Social Services Office 01946 505505

• The Safe Spaces: Helpline provides free, independent and confidential support to anyone who someone in the Church has abused. They can be contacted on 0300 303 1056. https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/.
• CALM: provides free, confidential and anonymous support for people struggling with their mental health. They can be contacted on 0800 58 58 58, by live chat or WhatsApp. https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
• NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child and need advice or guidance on what to do, or visit www.nspcc.org.uk.
• Childline: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything, or visit www.childline.org.uk.
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).  Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse or need help to report or visit www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk.
• Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to, or visit Samaritans Helpline.
• Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 0808 808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5 pm) or visit wearehourglass.org.
• National Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999 and is open every day from 12-2.30 pm and 7-9.30 pm or visit www.rapecrisis.org.uk.
• The Survivors Trust: 0808 801 0818 and is open Monday to Wednesday 10-7.30 pm, Thursday 10-6 pm and Friday 10-2 pm or visit The Survivors Trust. 
• LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428 or visit help@galop.org.uk
• Men’s Advice Line: Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.  Call 0808 8010327 or visit Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men’s Advice Line UK
• Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602 or visit Age UK | The UK’s leading charity helping every older person who needs us.