Safeguarding

Our commitment

Safeguarding in our churches

The Lowestoft and East Suffolk Methodist Circuit is committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and vulnerable adults. We follow the safeguarding policy, procedures and practice guidance of the Methodist Church in Britain, and every church in the Circuit works to them.

We take every concern seriously.

If you are worried about someone

If anyone is in immediate danger, telephone the police on 999.

If your concern is not an emergency, please speak to your own church's Safeguarding Officer or to the Circuit Safeguarding Officer. Contact details are on our contact page. You can also contact the East Anglia District Safeguarding Officer or the Methodist Church's national safeguarding team.

You do not need to be certain before you speak to someone. It is not your job to decide whether abuse has taken place, only to pass on what is worrying you.

What we do

• Everyone who works with children or vulnerable adults in our churches is recruited safely, holds a current DBS check where one is needed, and completes Methodist safeguarding training
• Each church has a named Safeguarding Officer whose contact details are displayed in the building
• Safeguarding is reviewed by the Circuit Meeting every year
• Concerns are recorded and reported in line with Methodist Church policy

Support

Anyone affected by abuse can find help whether or not they wish to make a report. The NSPCC helpline is on 0808 800 5000 and the Samaritans can be reached at any hour on 116 123.