Seventh-day Adventists believe that safeguarding the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of the vulnerable is integral to practically demonstrating the grace of Christ in our churches and communities.
The British Union Conference (BUC) Family Ministries, Children's Ministries and the Secretariat Department oversee the implementation of the Church's safeguarding policy, Keeping Our Church Family Safe, to ensure best practice in the protection of children and adults at risk.
The British Union Conference Safeguarding site can be found here.
HELPLINES
There are several helplines in the UK, including those for mental health, suicide prevention, and domestic abuse:
SDA
Cornerstone Counselling Service Listening Line (SEC) - 9:30 am - 10:00 pm - 0330 133 2495
NEC Counselling Line - 07539 211442
Non-Denomiation Christian
Premier Lifeline - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm - 0300 111 0101 - Premier Lifeline is a confidential telephone helpline offering a listening ear, emotional and spiritual support from a Christian perspective, prayer and signposting.
New Kapporet - 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm - 0808 801 0333 - We are the CHRISTIAN equivalent of Samaritans. We will LISTEN to you without judging you, and without giving you our opinion or advice, and we will support you in PRAYER, in whatever way you find helpful.
National Agencies
Childline - 0800 1111 - A helpline for children and young people under 19. Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards
NSPCC - 0808 800 5000 - As the leading children's charity, the NSPCC believes that every childhood is worth fighting for. Discover how you can help us keep children safe.
Thirtyone:Eight - 0303 003 1111 - Thirtyone:Eight is an independent Christian charity providing professional advice, training, support and resources in all areas of safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm.
Women's Aid - 0808 2000 247 - Women's Aid is a grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated.
Survivor's UK - 01823 334 244 - Support male survivors of sexual violence, providing counselling, practical help and community on your healing journey.
Victim Support - 0808 1689 111 - Provides independent, free, and confidential advice for victims of crime.
Samaritans - 116 -123 - Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide.
The Survivor's Trust - 0808 801 0818 - The Survivors Trust supports specialist rape and sexual abuse services in the voluntary sector. With over 120 member organisations across the UK and Ireland
Action on Elder Abuse - 0800 0699 784 - Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) is a specialist organisation with a growing staff in all four nations of the UK. AEA focuses exclusively on the issue of elder abuse.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK - 0800 689 5652 - The National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK is a compassionate and understanding lifeline for those grappling with their mental well-being or thoughts of suicide
Papyrus - 0800 068 4141 - A youth suicide prevention charity with a helpline staffed by trained suicide prevention advisers.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 58 58 58 - A helpline for young men aged 16 to 35 years, suffering from depression and low self-esteem. Available from 5pm to midnight every day.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247 - A freephone 24 hour helpline that provides advice and support to women and can refer them to emergency accommodation.
SOS Silence of Suicide - 0808 115 1505 - A helpline for everyone. SOS advocates for compassion in society to encourage understanding, tolerance and kindness.
Before calling a helpline, you can consider:
What times are they open?
If it's free to call or is there a cost involved?
Is what you say confidential?
What will you do if the line is busy?
To confidentially contact the Watford Town Church Safeguarding Team, please send an email to watfordtownsafeguarding@gmail.com
