The Diocese of Carlisle is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults and our aim is to create protective and supportive environments where all people, and especially those who may be vulnerable, are able to worship and pursue their faith journey in safety.

We follow the national legal and procedural framework for safeguarding children and adults, and Church of England policy and practice.

Safeguarding does not have to be a lonely place.You are part of a wider team within the Diocese of Carlisle and support is available for all whom need it.

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 Joanna is 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 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. 

Disclosure and Barring Service Queries

National Support Networks

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.

Contact the Safe Spaces team.

Make a referral for someone else or yourself to Safe Spaces

• 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.  

Please click on the links below to access the national Past Cases Review 2 report and the Diocese of Carlisle's Executive Summary Report:

Past Cases Review 2 - National Report

Diocese of Carlisle - Past Cases Review 2 Executive Summary Report

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