Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

A healthy Christian community nurtures the wellbeing of everyone. At St Barnabas Church, we are dedicated to creating a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults. To uphold this commitment, we regularly review and update our safeguarding policy. Safeguarding is integral to every aspect of our church's life and ministry, and our training and development reflect this priority.

Safeguarding Contacts

  • Louise Ordidge is our Parish Safeguarding Officer. If you would like to speak with Louise, please call the Church Centre, leave your contact details and we will ask Louise to contact you.
    Telephone: 0121 306 4820

  • Rev’d Emma Sykes is also available to speak to if you have any safeguarding concerns.
    Telephone: 07784 071919 or email: vicar@stbarnabaserdington.org.uk

  • Steph Haynes is the Bishop’s Safeguarding Adviser. If Louise or Emma are not available, Steph can support you with any safeguarding concerns you may have.
    Telephone: 07342 993844 or email: StephH@cofebirmingham.com

Safeguarding Prayer

Compassionate God, our refuge and strength,
defender of the weak, the weary, and the oppressed,
we come to you with humble and thankful hearts.
As your children, you call us to be like you,
to speak up for the rights of all who are vulnerable.
Help us as we strive to be a place of safety for all,
May we listen to those who are hurting, learn from Jesus’ example,
and love one another as you first loved us.
Amen

Additional Safeguarding Resources

If you believe that a child or adult is in immediate danger, you should contact the Emergency Services by calling 999.

There are other agencies outside of the church that you can also contact. They may be able to provide specialist support, and access to helplines and services:

  • Children’s Advice & Support Service (CASS) Birmingham - A single point of contact for members of the public and professionals who want to access support or raise concerns about a child in Birmingham.
    Telephone: 0121 303 1888
    Monday–Thursday: 8:45am–5:15pm
    Friday: 8:45am–4:15pm
    Emergency out-of-hours: 0121 675 4806

  • Birmingham Children’s Trust - Report a concern about a child or seek support on a situation involving a child.

  • NSPCC - If you are worried about a child.
    Helpline - 0808 800 5000

  • Childline - Offers free, confidential advice and support to Under 18’s, whatever your worry, whenever you need help.
    Helpline - 0800 1111

  • Samaritans - Talk to somebody who will listen if you are having a difficult time.
    Helpline - 116 123

  • National Domestic Violence Helpline - Confidential support for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
    Helpline - 0808 2000 247

  • Respect - Confidential support for male victims of domestic abuse.
    Helpline - 0808 8010327

  • Hourglass - Information and support for anyone concerned about an older person who is at risk of, experiencing or recovering from any form of abuse or neglect.
    Helpline - 0808 808 8141

  • Rape Crisis - Support for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has been affected by rape, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment or any other form of sexual violence.
    Helpline - 0808 500 2222

  • The Survivors Trust - A fully inclusive service, providing safe, non-judgmental support to survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
    Helpline - 0808 801 0818

A list of organisations offering support to survivors is available to download here.