There have been a number of scandals related to the abuse of children and vulnerable adults in a wide range of different situations, both current and historic. Sadly, this has also included malign activities and predatory people within the church community.

At St Peter’s we take safeguarding very seriously. The church has a pastoral role that includes protecting and helping others, so if you have worries or concerns in any safeguarding context, we will try and help.

If you have concerns relating to something happening now, then please call 999 for immediate help.

If you have experienced an issue or have concerns about abuse, whether current or historical and would like advice or help, then please contact us or the Gloucester Diocese Safeguarding teams. Remember that abuse can occur in many different forms and situations… it may be related to the church, some other organisation, or within the domestic environment. It might involve violence, sexual abuse, mental abuse or neglect. It can happen to anyone of any age, gender or other way in which we define ourselves. We can all be vulnerable in the wrong situation.  

At St Peter’s, anyone involved in a leadership role will have received safeguarding training and all those who are active as volunteers where they may come into contact with the public will have had awareness training. The church has put in place a well defined chain of command for safeguarding and all those who have had training will be aware of the part they can play and when to ask for help and support.