The Parishes of St. Thomas of Hereford, Weobley and St. Bede’s, Kington
Safeguarding Policy
(Updated January 2026)
It is the policy of this parish to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults* from physical, emotional or sexual abuse and to provide a safe environment for them.
This commitment flows from our common belief in the dignity and uniqueness of every human life. It is our policy to respect that dignity and uniqueness.
We start from the principle that each child, young person or vulnerable adult has a right to expect the highest level of care, protection, love, encouragement and respect that we can give.
It is our aim to provide an environment that supports and nurtures children, young people and vulnerable adults, so that they may develop and mature as safe from harm as possible.
We abhor the abuse which some children are subjected to, whether it is physical, emotional, sexual or through neglect. We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and will liaise closely with statutory agencies to ensure that any allegations of abuse that may occur are promptly and properly dealt with, victims supported and perpetrators held to account.
We are aware that not all risks can be removed but together it is our intention to minimise such risks and create a safe environment that supports and nurtures children so that they may develop and mature physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually so as to reach their full potential.
These procedures are also intended to assist clergy, parish workers and volunteers in identifying ways in which they can safeguard the best interests of children, young people and vulnerable adults in their care, and balance their own best interests as well.
(A ‘vulnerable adult’ is a person aged 18 or over who is or may be, by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness, unable to take care of him or herself and unable to protect him or herself against ‘significant harm’ or ‘exploitation’.)
Our parish Safeguarding Representative is Mrs. Joanna Helme (Tel: 01432 760816) The list of people within the parish authorised to work with children and/or vulnerable adults is displayed on the parish notice boards.
We include telephone numbers for the following relevant organisations:
Archdiocesan Safeguarding Team: 029 2037 9480, email: safeguarding@rcadc.org
NSPCC child protection 08088005000 (24 hours)
Childline 08001111 (24 hours)
National Domestic Violence Helpline 08082000247 (24 hours)
Samaritans 08457909090
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline 08088088141
Herefordshire Social Services : Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01432 260800 – available 8.45am to 5.15pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.45 to 4.45pm Fridays. Out of these hours 01905 768020