WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR SAFEGUARDING
Within the diocese and the wider church, we acknowledge that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we all have a part to play in keeping people safe.
In this section, you will find information about how to report a concern about a child or adult at risk, about support to survivors of abuse, how to create a safe environment, how to recruit staff and volunteers safely, and some suggestions about how to promote a culture of safeguarding across the diocese.
We hope you will find this area useful and welcome any comments you may have that will help us improve our services.
Regards
Jacqui Drysdale
Safeguarding Coordinator
Diocesan Safeguarding team
Safeguarding Coordinator
Jacqui Drysdale
jacqui.drysdale@rcdmidd.org.uk
07562 935641
Safeguarding Support Manager
Mo Hunter
mo.hunter@rcdmidd.org.uk
07871 608839
Safeguarding Administrator
Patti Wieczorek
patti.wieczorek@rcdmidd.org.uk
Safeguarding Administrator
Lisa Whelan
lisa.whelan@rcdmidd.org.uk
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Tel: 01642 850505 Option 2
Email: safeguarding@rcdmidd.org.uk
Address
Middlesbrough Diocese
50a The Avenue
Middlesbrough
TS5 6QT
Support for Survivors
We recognise that speaking out about abuse can be very difficult and distressing and that you may not have felt able to tell anyone before – we are here to support you.
What you can expect when you contact us…
- You will be given space to share your story and time to talk at your own pace.
- It is up to you what and how much you share depending on what you are comfortable with.
- You will be listened to in a way that is non-judgmental and built on a foundation of respect for you and how you feel.
- You might be asked questions but this is only so your experience can be better understood.
- The different support options available will be discussed with you.
- You will be advised what will happen next and arrange a time to contact you again to give you feedback or an update.
We refer all disclosures of abuse to statutory agencies (police, children’s services, adult services) in line with the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA). We do this to protect other children and adults from harm. Even if you we abused a long time ago, your abuser might still be working with children and/or vulnerable adults and we want to make sure they are not at risk.
Any referrals to statutory agencies will be made in discussion with you and you will be able to choose whether or not you consent to a police investigation.
The CSSA’s updated national policy for the support of those affected by allegations of abuse within a Church setting is available here.
If you don’t feel ready to talk to us just yet…
…that’s totally OK. It can take time to feel comfortable to talk about abuse and only you will know when the time is right. When you do make contact, we will be here to listen and support you.
Until then, there are a number of other organisations that provide support, advice and guidance to survivors and victims of abuse.
Read or download the Isaiah Journey Guide for Survivors here – Survivors-Guide.pdf (cbcew.org.uk)
Link to Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency Victim and Survivor Engagement – Victim & Survivor Engagement National – CSSA (catholicsafeguarding.org.uk)
Link to MACSAS, which supports women and men who have been sexually abused, as children or adults, by ministers, clergy or others under the guise of the Church – MACSAS Minister & Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors
Safe Spaces
Safe Spaces offers a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, the Church in Wales or the Catholic Church in England and Wales, regardless of disability, age, gender or sexual orientation.
First Light is the appointed independent provider of Safe Spaces. First Light has more than 25 years of experience in supporting those who have experienced or are experiencing sexual abuse and/or domestic violence and abuse, including survivors and victims of Church-related abuse.
Safe Spaces can be contacted on 0300 303 1056
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9am-1pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm (excluding bank holidays)
Safe Spaces can also be contacted through its website, safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Reporting Concerns
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police. If you believe there is immediate danger, please dial 999. If the incident is not ongoing or the person is not in imminent danger, ring 101 and ask for the police force for the area where the concern exists.
If you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the diocesan safeguarding office or religious congregation, or directly to the police. If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and also to the diocesan safeguarding office by calling 01642 850505 or emailing safeguarding@rcdmidd.org.uk
You can also contact Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) on 0207 901 1920.
If you have concerns and wish to remain anonymous, CrimeStoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111.
It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.