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Safeguarding

Welcome to Our Lady Help of Christians & Saint Helen, Westcliff's safeguarding page! We're here to keep everyone in our community safe and supported, especially children and vulnerable adults. If there's ever an emergency, please call 999 right away. Our caring safeguarding team, Gary & Lucy Watts, and coordinator Simon Moules are always here to help. We're committed to creating a warm, safe space for all while supporting survivors and maintaining the highest care standards through professional training and community partnerships.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

 

"Being loved and being kept safe go to the very core of the Church's Ministry to children and vulnerable adults. The work of safeguarding has to be seen within the overall mission of the Church. As she seeks to protect the vulnerable and weak, the Church needs to 'act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God' (Micah 6:8). It is a ministry of love and healing and seeks justice for all."
— Pope Francis

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At Our Lady Help of Christians & Saint Helen, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are deeply committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where all people—especially children and vulnerable adults—can experience God's love without fear of harm.

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REPORTING ABUSE - IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

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If someone is in immediate danger:

  • Call 999 immediately if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger

  • Do not delay – their safety is the priority

 

For all other concerns about abuse:

If you work/volunteer within our parish:

  • Contact our Parish Safeguarding Representatives immediately

  • Or report directly to Police and Diocese

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If you are a member of the public:

  • Report to Police first

  • Then contact our Safeguarding Coordinator

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Key Contacts

 

​Parish Safeguarding Representatives: Gary Watts & Lucy Watts

safeguarding-westcliff@brcdt.org

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Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator: Simon Moules 

simonmoules@brcdt.org

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Emergency Services: Police 999​​​

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​​Our Safeguarding Framework

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Zero Tolerance Policy

We have zero tolerance for abuse, harm, or any behavior that falls short of appropriate safeguarding standards. All allegations are reported to statutory authorities, regardless of:

  • When the abuse occurred (recent or historical)

  • Whether the accused person is living or deceased

 

Professional Standards

  • We follow Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA)policies

  • All staff and volunteers working with children/vulnerable adults undergo rigorous DBS clearance

  • We maintain transparency and accountability in all activities

  • Professional support is provided through the Diocesan safeguarding team

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A Message from Our Parish Administrator

 

As Administrator of this parish, I take safeguarding very seriously. Together with our safeguarding representatives, we are determined to prevent abuse and respond swiftly and compassionately when concerns arise. The sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults is a grave sin that deeply offends our Lord and causes immense harm to victims.

 

We are committed to supporting survivors and learning from their experiences to continually improve our safeguarding practices. May the grace of God strengthen us in this vital mission.

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Fr Viktor Aurellana RCJ
July 2025

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Support for Survivors

 

We are committed to:

  • Listening to survivors with compassion and respect

  • Learning from every survivor/victim we work with

  • Supporting those who have been harmed by the Church

  • Working collaboratively with survivors to improve standards

  • Providing professional, sensitive, and confidential support

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Our Professional Network

Our safeguarding team works closely with:

  • Police

  • Probation Services

  • Social Services

  • Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA)

  • National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC)​

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​​Additional Resources

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Diocese of Brentwood Safeguarding

dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/safeguarding

 

National Catholic Safeguarding Commission

catholicsafeguarding.org.uk

 

Safe Spaces

safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk

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Remember

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  • Every concern matters – no matter how small

  • Confidentiality is assured – all issues handled sensitively

  • Professional support available – you're not alone in this

  • Swift action saves lives – don't delay in reporting

 

Together, we can ensure our parish remains a beacon of light, hope, and safety for all who enter our doors.

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