How we respond to concerns

Depending on the nature of the concern, there are two main routes through which we will respond, as detailed below. We will always aim to respond in a proportionate way, with impartiality, and taking into account the wishes and confidentiality of those involved as far as is possible.

Forms

Feedback Form

For smaller concerns, or observations made using the online feedback form:

They will be initially assessed by a member of the safeguarding team so that anything requiring immediate action is escalated to a cause for concern; in this case we will follow up with the individual who raised the concern
All other comments will be reviewed periodically by the safeguarding team, with the aim of identifying any concerning patterns that might be indicative of unhealthy behaviour within the church
Where appropriate, for example where a number of concerns around a particular issue suggest an unhealthy pattern, we will follow up with the individuals concerned
If concerning patterns are identified, the safeguarding team will discuss appropriate action, seeking advice where needed
A report will be made to the Trustees periodically, summarising the overall themes of the observations that have been made, and any concerning patterns, ensuring that this is framed in a way that maintains full anonymity (eg, no specific incidents that could identify an individual should be alluded to)
If we believe it necessary to disclose the identity of an individual who has raised a concern outside of the safeguarding team, we will first seek their permission, and will respect their wishes so far as we are able
Trustees will review the information, as well as seeking other feedback, and will discuss and plan actions to maintain and grow a safe and healthy environment within the church. There will be periodic feedback and involvement of the church in this process through family meetings

Cause for Concern Form

When a safeguarding concern of a serious nature, warranting immediate follow-up, is raised, either through the cause for concern form, speaking to a member of the safeguarding team, or through speaking with someone else such as an elder, we will:

Decide on the most appropriate person/people to follow up on the concern, including both caring for and supporting those involved, and impartially evaluating and responding to the concern. This might be a member of the safeguarding team, but also might be someone in leadership (eg a homegroup leader or elder), or someone close to the person at risk, such as the person who raised the concern, with support from the safeguarding team as needed
Where appropriate, investigate the concern and any allegations that have been made, always endeavouring to act with fairness and impartiality, never minimising what is said by either party, always starting from the assumption that truth is being spoken and there is a valid concern, whilst treating those accused as innocent until proven guilty
Discuss the most appropriate course of action, seeking advice from other organisations such as thirtyone:eight where needed
As far as is possible, take into account the wishes of the person at risk regarding confidentiality and how the concern is addressed
If necessary, contact and liaise with the relevant external authorities
Document all information that is disclosed as a concern, advice received and action taken
Where there has been harm we will commit to respond well to people who disclose, ensuring they are heard and supported and that the response process does not cause unnecessary further harm.

Safeguarding Homepage

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.

Vistors 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.

Where and When

We meet at the Church Building (details below) for our Sunday Service starting at 10am. For your first visit, we recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to ensure you get a parking space and find somewhere to sit before the service begins. When you arrive, you should be greeted by someone on our Welcome Team who will be wearing a Welcome lanyard.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits from 10am, before the service begins. It is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.

Plan your journey:

Open Google Maps

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, 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. There are disabled toilets in the main foyer.

Our Service

The main service begins at 10am with a warm welcome from one of our team members. Then follows a time of sung worship, led by our band. We typically have 2 or 3 songs lasting approximately 20 minutes. Sometimes a person might pray out loud or read a small passage from the bible. Sometimes people share things that they believe God is saying to the whole church family. This might seem strange the first time you hear it but it’s all part of our connecting with God. We then share news and notices, usually about what’s going on in the life of the church. One of our leaders will then give a sermon that is bible based and that we can apply to our everyday life. We then finish with a final worship song. Sometimes there is an opportunity to receive prayer at the end of the service.

images: Services

What about my kids?

We have a great programme lined up for kids of all ages:

Creche (0 months to 3 years). Children under 6 months are welcome but must be accompanied by their parent/grown-up at all times.
Livewires (3-7 years)
Encounter (7-11 years)
Katalyst (11-15 years)
Young people (15+ years) Stay in service.

Children stay with their parent or grown-up at the start of the service for the welcome, songs and notices. We really value worshipping God all together as a family. At the end of the notices someone will announce that it’s time for the younger members to go to their various groups. You will need to go with your children to their groups and register them as part of our child safety policy. Whilst you are dropping your kids off at their groups, we pause to take time to chat to someone sitting near or next to us, giving folk a chance to come back before the sermon begins.

The kids group activities vary depending on the age but usually there is a friendly welcome, bible stories, testimonies, praying, music, craft, drama, fun games and free play. Please pick your children up as soon as the service finishes.

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 afternoons 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.

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team.

Other Ministries

We also run the following ministries:

Men's Ministries
Women's Ministries
Night Shelter
Foodbank

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

Leadership


Leader 1		Leader 2
Leader Intro		Leader Intro

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

Best Wishes

(Handwritten Signature)