“The work of Safeguarding is rightly at the heart of the Church’s life and mission. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, said ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’ This life was shown in the many ways Jesus exercised his ministry to heal, to deliver and to teach. This work continues today. The Church must be a place where abuse is recognised for the evil it is and the damage it causes.”
David J. Oakley, Bishop of Northampton
Our Parish Safeguarding Reps: Judith F. (OLG) vacant (SW)
email: safeguarding.stjhn@northamptondiocese.org
Diocesan Safeguarding Office
http://www.northamptondiocese.org/safeguarding
Message from Bishop David
As we approach the National Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors 2024, Bishop David has issued a pastoral message reflecting on our recent audit report from the CSSA.
A video of Bishop David reading the message can be viewed here https://youtu.be/xcIC8gVpBG0?si=p1JeDI2xhmv7g8A8
Safeguarding January 2024 Key Message
Our key message for January this year is :
‘The Diocese of Northampton have adopted the National policies of CBCEW’
Key webpages:
https://northamptondiocese.org/policies/
Safeguarding Monthly Key Message
November 2023
Key message: Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
Safeguarding in planning activities Please visit our webpage for roles and responsibilities
https://northamptondiocese.org/sgresponsibilities/
Bishop David reminds us that “Safeguarding is rightly at the heart of or mission”. If
you are responsible for planning activities or events, you are reminded to be pro-
active in upholding the dignity of all those who will attend.
To assist our diocesan trustees discharge their responsibilities in safeguarding our
diocese has a safeguarding sub-committee of trustees and a safeguarding advisory
board. The safeguarding of all is to show care to another. Every member of our Church benefits when we show a care for each other, underpinning our mission to share the Gospel.
Safeguarding in our community is the responsibility of us all. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger. 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. If you are in any role within our Church, you must refer allegations directly to our diocesan safeguarding office, or directly to the Police.
And
Every human being has a value and dignity which we as Catholics acknowledge as coming directly from God’s creation of male and female in his own image and likeness. We believe therefore that all people should be valued, supported and protected from harm. In the Catholic Church this is demonstrated by the provision of carefully planned activities for children, young people and adults; supporting families under stress; caring for those hurt by abuse in the past; ministering to and managing those who have caused harm. It is because of these varied ministries that we need to take all reasonable steps to provide a safe environment for all which promotes and supports their wellbeing. This will include carefully selecting and appointing those who work with children, young people or adults at risk and responding robustly where concerns arise.
