The Diocese of Carlisle is a place where everyone matters and Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

The Diocese of Carlisle is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Our aim is to create a healthy safeguarding culture where our protective and supportive environments enable all people to worship and pursue their faith journey in safety.

Head of Safeguarding - Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

Joanna Van Lachterop
Joanna works full-time for the diocese and is available Monday to Friday. If you have a safeguarding concern about an adult or child, please contact Joanna for advice and guidance. The Diocesan Safeguarding Team must also be informed straight away of any safeguarding concerns involving a church officer. A church officer is anyone appointed/elected by, or on behalf of, the Church to a post or role whether they are ordained or lay, paid or unpaid. Joanna is also happy to answer questions, and provide advice, relating to safeguarding policies and procedures.

T: 07458 016884
E: safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk

Please note that all messages left for the team, by email, mobile or landline, are checked during normal office hours only. Messages are not routinely checked during evenings or weekends.

If you require any advice or guidance about DBS checks, please email: dbsonline@carlislediocese.org.uk

If the DST are unavailable and you are concerned that an adult is being abused, or at risk, you should report it:

by contacting Adult Social Care, Cumberland Council. Emergency Out of Hours - 01228 526690

If the DST are unavailable and you are concerned about a child or young person, please contact:

Cumberland Safeguarding Hub on 0333 240 1727 (if it relates to a concern in the Allerdale, Carlisle or Copeland area) or,

Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Hub on 0300 373 2724 (if it relates to a concerns which falls in in the Barrow, Eden or South Lakeland area).

If you believe that a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires medical attention, call the emergency services on 999.

Please see further information on support available below.

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.

If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support.

Webpage: Home - Safe Spaces England and Wales

Safe Spaces Helpline: 0300 303 1056

• NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child and need advice or guidance on what to do.
• Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
• Cumbria Victim Supportfor women and men affected by Domestic Abuse - County Wide Servicet: 0300 3030 157 (local) Monday - Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm and 24/7 Support Line 0808 1689 111 e:cumbria.admin@victimsupport.org.uk
• Safety Net for women and men affected by Domestic Abuse - County Wide Service T: 01228 515859 https://www.safetynetuk.org/make-a-referral
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse or need help to report.
• Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
• Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 0808 808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
• National Rape Crisis Helpline:0808 802 9999 and is open every day from 12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm.
• The Survivors Trust: 0808 801 0818 and is open Monday to Wednesday 10-7.30pm, Thursday 10-6pm and Friday 10-2pm.
• LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428 help@galop.org.uk
• Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
• Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602
• If a child, young person or adult is at risk of immediate harm, call 999.  

If you have a complaint about safeguarding in our diocese, we have a diocesan Complaints Procedure and a Whistleblowing Policy.