Safeguarding
Our commitment
Safeguarding in our churches
The Methodist Church is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of its life and ministry. Safeguarding is about the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will:
- Promote the welfare of children, young people and adults
- Work to prevent abuse from occurring
- Seek to protect and respond well to those that have been abused
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.
We have a Circuit Safeguarding Policy which is reviewed every year, and you can see the latest one below, plus the safeguarding poster that every church should display.
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
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 contact the Circuit Safeguarding Officer about your concerns.
Email: lescircuitso@gmail.com
You can also contact the East Anglia District Safeguarding Officer, Neil van Holland, on 07787 225 230 or 020 7467 5266, or by email at vanhollandn@methodistchurch.org.uk, or the Methodist Church's national safeguarding team, whose details can be found here.
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.
More information
You can find out more about safeguarding in the Methodist Church here, and about safeguarding within the District here.
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.
Can we help?
Whether you are looking for a church, arranging a baptism, a wedding or a funeral, or simply want to talk to someone, we would be glad to hear from you.
Lowestoft and East Suffolk
Methodist Circuit
Faith, welcome and community across the Waveney valley and the East Suffolk coast.
Registered charity number 1135624