St. Bart’s is committed to the safeguarding and protection of everyone, including children and vulnerable adults. We take our responsibilities seriously to ensure that our church, buildings and activities are safe places for all.
If You Have a Safeguarding Concern
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you have a concern regarding a child, young person or adult who may be at risk of harm, in the first instance please speak to our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Naomi Hunt, who can be contacted using the email below or via our contact form. Alternatively, please speak to the Vicar, one of the Ministry Team or to our Church Wardens (see our Who’s Who page).
If you prefer to contact someone outside of St Bart’s, the Diocesan safeguarding adviser details are below.
If you or someone you are concerned about is in immediate danger, please telephone the police on 999.
If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm, please contact one of our Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers (please find their office hours on their website here).
For urgent safeguarding advice contact your local social services. Out of hours contacts can be found on their websites click here to go to Kent County Council’s page.
Safeguarding Contacts
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Naomi Hunt
Email: safeguarding@stbartholomews.co.uk
Vicar (Priest in Charge)
Rev Kelly Parsons
Email: vicar@stbartholomews.co.uk
Phone: 07415 855615
Lead Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Greg Barry
Email: greg.barry@rochester.anglican.org
Phone: 07585 952174
The Rochester Diocesan Safeguarding Team is available Monday to Friday 08:00 – 17:00 (excluding bank holidays).
If you would prefer to speak to someone outside of the church
Local Authority Social Services (Kent County Council)
03000 41 61 61 (Mon – Friday, 9am to 5pm)
03000 41 91 91 (out of hours)
More information here
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111
Stop It Now 0808 1000 900
Samaritans 116 123
Family Lives 0808 800 2222
Action On Elder Abuse 0800 0699 784
National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247
National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) 0808 801 0331
If You Are a Victim or Survivor
If you have been affected by abuse, however long ago, or if you are concerned that someone else is experiencing or has experienced abuse in a church setting, we want to help. You can either speak to our Vicar or our local church Parish Safeguarding Officer. If you prefer, you can reach out directly to the safeguarding team at the Diocese of Rochester. Their website is here and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be contacted by calling 01634 560000 – ask for the Safeguarding Team.
Our Policies and Procedures
St Bart’s operate in line with the House of Bishops’ Diocesan Safeguarding Policy. The formal statement of the House of Bishops’ “Promoting Safer Church: Safeguarding Policy Statement” is adopted and agreed by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) on an Annual Basis. Safeguarding is on every PCC meeting agenda and is discussed. We follow the guidance of the Diocese of Rochester, and the National Church Institutions, and we also follow guidance for all people working with children, young people or vulnerable adults and ensure they are safely recruited, have undergone appropriate training and are DBS checked. Everyone who volunteers regularly or frequently with children has completed basic awareness training. Members of the PCC have completed basic and foundation safeguarding training, along with domestic abuse training. Safeguarding information is displayed at all our church activities involving children and young people and can be seen on our church noticeboards.
For further information on policies, procedures, and support, please see:
