St Luke's Church is committed to ensuring our church is a safe places for anyone and everyone, and we take seriously our duty to care for all God’s people in our particular context.

Our policies and procedures

Our Parochial Church Council is committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance, as detailed in the Parish Safeguarding Handbook. A formal statement to adopt the House of Bishops’ “Promoting a Safer Church; safeguarding policy statement” was agreed by the Parochial Church Council and recorded in the minutes of their meetings. Most recently this was reviewed and agreed in Jun 2024. Safeguarding is a regular item on the agenda of all PCC meetings.

We follow the guidance of the Diocese of Rochester, and the National Church Institutions, as it is issued from time to time, and we also follow guidance for all people working with children, young people or vulnerable adults and ensure they are safely recruited, have undergone appropriate training and are DBS checked. Safeguarding information is displayed at all our church activities involving children and young people and can be seen on our church noticeboards.

If you are a victim or survivor

If you have been affected by abuse, however long ago, or if you are concerned that someone else is experiencing or has experienced abuse in a church setting, we want to help. You can either speak to our Vicar or our local church Parish Safeguarding Officer. If you prefer, you can go directly to the safeguarding team at the Diocese of Rochester. Their page for victims and survivors is here. The Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be contacted by calling 01634 560000 with a request to ask for the Safeguarding Team.

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. If you have a concern about a child or young person or a vulnerable adult, please contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer. Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Mrs Gerry Wenham. Her telephone number is 07876164425 or you can email her via this website.

Other useful contacts

Social Services - outside of office hours
Kent and Medway Social Services Out of Hours 03000 419191.

Social Services - office hours
Concerned about an adult? Call 03000 416161 (text relay: 18001 03000 416161) or visit their website.
Concerned about a child? Call 03000 411111 (text relay: 18001 03000 411111) or visit their website.

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre ( CEOP) : 08700 003344
Childline: 0800 1111
Parentline Plus: 0808 800222
CCPAS (now Thirtyone:eight) Churches Child Protection Advisory Service 03030 031111