Safeguarding

Bob Ganley

 Every parish has volunteer 'safeguarding reps'. These are parishioners who agree to be the eyes and ears within the parish with regards to the safety of children and of vulnerable adults.

Whilst no community can be completely safe, St. Catherine's parish is trying to be a safer community. Safeguarding reps receive training for the Salford Diocese Safeguarding Commission on how to make parish activities open to all without compromising the physical, emotional and sexual safety of children and vulnerable adults. Please get to know your reps. Please also be thoughtful and vigilant for the safety issues. You may wish to join the safeguarding team which is currently led by Bob Ganley and Ann Thornber.  Any concerns or ideas on these issues would be welcome.

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​The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published its report on the Catholic Church in England. Bishop John says, “It is right that we speak openly of these abuses and that we come together to heal as a community. As a diocese we have made progress, but we must always be ready as clergy and as a diocese to meet the challenges of the future. We must always strive to place protection of the young and the vulnerable at the heart of what we do… Our Healing through Community project can be accessed by anyone living in Salford diocese.”

If you need help in this area contact Survivors Manchester 0161 236 2182 or Greater Manchester Rape Crisis 0161 273 4500. The Safeguarding Office is also available for queries or referrals on 0161 817 2206.

The Bishops’ Conference said, “We apologise to all victims and survivors who have not been properly listened to, or properly supported by us. By listening with humility to those who have suffered, we can contribute to the healing of the wounds of abuse, as well as learn from those most directly affected how we must improve the Church’s safeguarding standards, policies and procedures.”