Safeguarding
We take safeguarding children and adults at risk very seriously, taking great care over recruitment and training. You can read the national guidelines and church policy we follow.
If you have concerns about someone's welfare, the care provided, or something at church isn't right, please tell us straight away. You can contact us below for an informal conversation, or you could download a our form for logging a concern here and send it to our safeguarding officer.
If you've experienced abuse at church or anywhere else it is right to share that. We will listen sensitively, respect your privacy, respond promptly and get advice from safeguarding professionals. We will also offer appropriate support, for example with the costs of counselling.
Claire Mason
Safeguarding Officer for St Matthew’s Church
07577 486619
clairemason@stmatthews.uk
Frank Price
Senior minister (incumbent) of St Matthew's Church
07443 337560
frankprice@stmatthews.uk
You are also welcome to speak to someone outside St Matthew's church who can hold us accountable:
The local Church of England safeguarding team: 01353 652747
(Calls out of office hours go to the "thirty one eight" helpline)
St Matthew's is overseen by Rt. Rev. Rob Munro, the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, an evangelical Bishop.
admin@bishopofebbsfleet.org.
Other external organisations that offer support:
National
Childline: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Hourglass (formerly Elder Abuse Helpline): 080 8808 8141 (lines free and open 24 hours), free text 078 6005 2906
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
The National Association of People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): national support service for adult survivors of all forms of childhood abuse.
The Survivors Trust: provides links to local support for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
Restored: Help for survivors of domestic abuse and advice for churches.
Safe Spaces: a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in a church or as a result of their relationship with a church.
Local
The Elms: offers free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support, in Cambridgeshire, to people of all ages, who have experienced sexual assault, including rape.
Cambridge and Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership: 0300 373 1073 (domestic abuse support service)
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Safeguarding Board (children and adults): make referrals and find local information and support.
Cambridge Women's Aid: Safe Refuge 01223 460947, Community Support 01223 361214