Safeguarding

If you have a safeguarding concern

If you have a safeguarding concern you wish to report or talk about in confidence, please contact

Jan Way (Westcott Parish Safeguarding Officer) Mobile number 07710 608952

Jackie Broadfoot (Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor) jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk 07918 559387

Jackie has primary responsibility for case management and the interface between parishes and statutory agencies in the event of serious safeguarding concern. The DSA is your first point contact for safeguarding concerns during normal working hours, Monday to Thursday. To report an emergency safeguarding concern out of hours please telephone the police on 999 if there is an immediate risk of harm or 101 if there is not an immediate risk and follow up with Jackie on the next working day.

What is safeguarding?

The Church in Westcott adheres to the Safeguarding Policy of the Guildford Diocese .

Safeguarding is promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and keeping them safe at all times. That means the measures taken by leaders and helpers to protect children and vulnerable adults.

For safeguarding purposes:
A child or young person who has not reached their 18th birthday
A vulnerable adult is a person 18 or over who is or maybe in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness. Or maybe unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation.

Child Abuse:
The neglecting of a child by inflicting harm or failing to prevent harm.
This may be:
Physical Abuse – Emotional Abuse – Verbal Abuse – Sexual Abuse – or all of these.

Vulnerable Adult Abuse:
A violation of person’s Human and Civil Rights by another person or persons.
This may:
Consist of a single act or repeated acts.
Be Physical Abuse – Verbal Abuse – Psychological Abuse – Act of Neglect -Financial Abuse – Exploitation – or all of these.

What to do if you have any concerns about any child or vulnerable adult:
Only speak to Jan Way the Parish Safeguarding Officer, or Jackie Broadfoot, Diocesan Safeguarding Officer. They will advise you.
It is of utmost importance that all concerns are kept strictly confidential.

If anyone wishes to know more about safeguarding, please contact Jan Way who will be happy to advise on where to find further information.

All volunteers that work with children or vulnerable adults must attend the Diocesan safeguarding training every 3 years.

Are you a survivor or victim of church related abuse? The Diocese of Guildford is reviewing its historical safeguarding records. Could you help the Diocese of Guildford to learn from the past and protect the future?

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here

Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning, or Wednesday morning.

Where and When - Sunday Morning

We meet at Holy Trinity Church (find us) on Sunday mornings. There are two Sunday Services to choose from:

The 8:30 am Book of Common Prayer Communion Service

This is a traditional service, with organ-led traditional hymns. It is a beautiful and peaceful way to begin your Sunday morning. The service lasts about 45 minutes.

The 10:15am Parish Service is either a service of Morning Worship, or Communion.

This is a more informal service, with a mixture of traditional hymns and modern worship songs. The service usually lasts about an hour. This service is also livestreamed on Zoom. You won't be able to use your camera or microphone, but will be able to see, hear and join in with the service, from the comfort of your own home.

Mask wearing is no longer mandatory in church, but there are designated seating areas for those who prefer to wear masks.

If you feel unwell, please do not come in person - join us on Zoom at our 10:15am Sunday services.

For your first visit, we recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to ensure you get a parking space (if you're driving) and find somewhere to sit before the service begins. When you arrive, you will be greeted by one of our Welcome Team who will answer any questions you might have about the service, and help you find a seat.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits after both services. It is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to pause and reflect before heading home. All refreshments are free.
Accessibility: There is wheelchair access to the side of the church, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up.

Where and When - Midweek

On Wednesday mornings, at 10am, there is a small, friendly and informal Communion Service, held at St John's Chapel (find us). There are a choice of sofas or chairs to sit on. The service usually starts with a song (unaccompanied but joyful!) and lasts about 30 minutes. Refreshments are usually served afterwards.
Parking directly outside St John's is limited, so if you want a guaranteed parking space, it is a good idea to arrive 10-15 minutes early. However if you are able, there is on-street parking available in Furlong Road or St John's Road. A warm welcome awaits you!

Getting Connected

Small Groups
While Sundays are a great way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our small groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet throughout the week, some mornings and some evenings. Check out Small Groups and see if there’s one that you could join, or we can put you in touch with a small group leader who will be more than happy to invite you along to their group.

Do get in touch with us if you'd like to know more about any of these services, or if you have any other questions about coming along to church.

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.