Our vision
The vision statement of Lawrence Weston Baptist Church (Hope Café & Church):
Our vision is to love the Lord our God; receive Him and live for Him, and to share the love of Jesus by serving others.
In fulfilling this vision, we:
- Welcome children and adults at risk into the life of our community
- Run activities for children and adults at risk
- Make our premises available to organisations working with children and adults at risk
Safeguarding contact points within our church
The church has appointed the following individuals to form part of the church safeguarding team:
NAME, Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) Sue Woolnough
She will advise the church on any matters related to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk and take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.
Phone number 07901751180 Email address suewoolnough@hotmail.com
NAME, Deputy Designated Person for Safeguarding (DDPS) Bryony Sutton
She will assist the Designated Person for Safeguarding (DPS) in helping the church on any matters related to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk and take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected.
Phone number 07443919281 Email address bryonysutton@gmail.com
NAME, Safeguarding Trustee Paul Matthews
He will raise the profile of safeguarding within the church and oversee and monitor the implementation of the safeguarding policy and procedures on behalf of the church trustees.
Phone number 01275858998 Email address matthewspaulj@aol.co.uk
Safeguarding Policy Statement
Our safeguarding responsibilities
The church recognises its responsibilities in safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk, regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability.
As members of this church we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all associated with the church and will pray for them regularly. In pursuit of this, we commit ourselves to this policy and to the development of sound procedures to ensure we implement our policy well.
• Prevention and reporting of abuse
It is the duty of each church member to help prevent the abuse of children and adults at risk, and the duty of each church member to respond to concerns about the well-being of children and adults at risk. Any abuse disclosed, discovered or suspected will be reported in accordance with our procedures. The church will fully co-operate with any statutory investigation into any suspected abuse linked with the church.
• Safer recruitment, support and supervision of workers
The church will exercise proper care in the selection and appointment of those working with children and adults at risk, whether paid or voluntary. All workers will be provided with appropriate training, support and supervision to promote the safekeeping of children and adults at risk.
• Respecting children and adults at risk
The church will adopt a code of behaviour for all who are appointed to work with children and adults at risk so that all children and adults are shown the respect that is due to them.
• Safer working practices
The church is committed to providing an environment that is as safe as possible for children and adults at risk and will adopt ways of working with them that promote their safety and well-being.
• A safer community
The church is committed to the prevention of bullying. The church will seek to ensure that the behaviour of any individuals who may pose a risk to children, young people and adults at risk in the community of the church is managed appropriately.