Safeguarding
Promoting a safer church. Safeguarding is not suspicion, but care — and it is everyone’s responsibility.
If someone is in immediate danger
Call the police on 999 straight away. If you are worried about a child, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 at any hour. You do not need to be certain before you speak to someone.
Our safeguarding officers
If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child or an adult at risk in connection with our church, please speak to one of the following. You will be listened to.
Jo Muzsnyai-Smith
Jez Hirst — Diocese of St Albans
01727 818107 · 07867 350886
safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org
You can also read the Church of England's national safeguarding pages at churchofengland.org/safeguarding.
Our policies
Adopted by the Parochial Church Council and reviewed annually.
Safeguarding Policy 2026 for Children
Read the policy →
Safeguarding Policy 2026 for Vulnerable Adults
Read the policy →
Safeguarding Photography Policy 2026
Read the policy →
Domestic Abuse Policy 2026
Read the policy →
CCTV Policy 2026
Read the policy →
Linslade Complaints Policy 2026
Read the policy →
Policy on the Recruitment of Ex Offenders 2026
Read the policy →
Policy on the Streaming of Live Services 2026
Read the policy →
Useful organisations
Some organisations that may be able to help if you need support or advice — whether or not your situation has anything to do with the church.
Older and vulnerable people
Scope
0808 800 3333Support, information and advice to help disabled people have the same rights as everyone else.
Mental health support
Samaritans
116 123Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to. 24/7 helpline.
Mind
0300 123 3393Information and advice on mental health issues, as well as local support services.
SHOUT
Text 8525824/7 free mental health support service when you are feeling anxious, low, stressed or overwhelmed.
Domestic abuse and violence
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse. 24/7 helpline.
Hourglass
0808 808 8141Working to protect vulnerable older adults and prevent abuse. 24/7 confidential advice and support.
ManKind Initiative
0808 800 1170Help and support for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence.
Women's Aid
Online supportFor women across the UK who have experienced domestic violence.
Children and young people
Childline
0800 1111Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything. 24/7 helpline.
Prayers used in our parish
We pray that this church may be a place of welcome, security and compassion.
Keep us watchful yet caring, trusting yet ready to question,
that all who worship here may do so in safety and in the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
May the doors of this church be narrow enough to shut out pettiness and pride, envy and enmity.
May the threshold of this church be no stumbling block to young or frail feet.
May the threshold of this church be too high to admit complacency and self-seeking.
May this church be, for all who enter, a safe place and the doorway to a richer life in Christ.