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Safeguarding Commitment at Grand Union Vineyard
If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from The DSL Rachel Kleinsmith on safeguarding@grandunionchurch.org or, if necessary, report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services or the Police without delay. If someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.
Our Commitment
The care and protection of children, young people, and adults involved in our church activities are the responsibilities of everyone who participates in the life of our church. Our commitment includes:
- Promoting a safe environment and culture.
- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults.
- Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
- Providing pastoral care for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons.
- Offering pastoral care to those who are the subject of concerns/allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
- Addressing any present risks.
What We Do
We are dedicated to nurturing, protecting, and safeguarding all our members, especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We recognize that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church community. We commit to:
Exercising proper care in the selection, appointment, training, and support of those working with children or vulnerable adults, including using Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosures and making appropriate referrals.
Responding without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed and cooperating with police and social care services in any investigation.
Challenging any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
Offering pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse and developing appropriate pastoral support with them.
Providing pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person, or vulnerable adult.
What We Recognize
Children's Social Services (or equivalent) have the lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse concerning a child.
Adult Social Care (or equivalent) has the lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse concerning an adult with additional care and support needs.
The police should be contacted urgently if an allegation suggests a criminal offence may have been committed.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
External Resources
- NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
- Childline: 0800 1111
- Stop it Now: 0808 1000 900
- NAPAC: 0808 801 0331
- Samaritans: 116 123
- Family Lives: 0808 800 2222
- Hourglass Safer Ageing: 0808 808 8141
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
- MK Act (Domestic Violence Intervention Services): 0344 375 4307
- MK Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): 01908 253169 / 253170
- ASCAT (Adult Social Care): 01908 253772
-MK Together: 01908 254373
Useful Numbers
ThirtyOne:Eight helpline 0303 0031111 (calls can be made by anyone and are not recorded)
We are a vibrant and welcoming church family, in the heart of Milton Keynes. We have served our city for over twenty years and are committed to discipleship and faith in action.
We run the MK Storehouse project, a social justice ministry serving people across the city.
We meet as a whole church Sundays 10:30am, and have many activities throughout the week.
You are very welcome to join us. We would love to get to know you.
