1) Children - anyone under 18 years - always (legally - someone is defined as a child up to his / her 18th birthday)
2) Some adults - for instance if they:
   - Have mobility difficulties
   - Have learning difficulties
   - Are ill; physically or mentally
   - Have other reasons, like bereavement, financial problems, trouble with the law, victims of abuse, etc.

We are all vulnerable at some time in our lives. It's all of us, not 'them'. Being vulnerable as an adult is not always permanent. We don't always tell people, so we don't always know. People who we think are vulnerable may not feel it themselves.

We are different from schools, hospitals and other places where vulnerable people are protected. We can't be rigid in including and excluding people. It's complicated! We must not make assumptions about how adults feel and see themselves.

We need a church which runs its activities in a way which welcomes all, but sets limits on risks.

Ensuring the wellbeing of children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable in the church community. Creating a youth-friendly and child-friendly environment. Creating a welcoming, respectful environment for everyone, which is safe from abuse.

The Parish is committed to the Safeguarding Policies of the Diocese and the Catholic Church in England and Wales, which are designed to promote a safe environment for children, young people and adults who are vulnerable. To support and protect adults (volunteers and paid) who work with children and vulnerable adults and ensure that The Most Holy Redeemer Church has a good name and reputation in caring for all people.

A copy of the Diocesan policy booklet 'Safe Children' is always available to read on the notice boards at the back of the church and in the foyer of the Pastoral Centre, together with contact links and further information.

We make sure we recruit volunteers and paid staff safely, by references and interviews, DBS applications and following recommendations on any risks they pose. We run our activities as safely as we can by:
- having enough leaders
- checking regularly that our buildings and activities are safe
- ensuring risks are minimal.

We know what to do if anyone makes an allegation or has any concerns about a child or vulnerable adult's well-being, or if there are people known to pose a risk.

To follow procedures, be supported and make difficult situations better and not worse, we work with:
- Adrian Scantlebury, Parish Safeguarding Representative
- Fr.Dan, our Parish Priest
- Simon Moules, Diocesan Safeguarding Co-Ordinator

All complaints are taken seriously through the Parish Safeguarding Representative, Parish Priest and Diocesan Safeguarding Co-Ordinator, making sure we share information carefully,and keep records accurately and confidentially. We make sure appropriate boundaries of confidentiality and consent are followed (we do not gossip).

Learn:
Familiarise yourself with our policy.

Look & Listen:
Be aware of signs and symptoms

Liaise:
If you are ever worried about your own safety, concerned about the safety of children or other adults, suspect someone is being abused, neglected, suffering domestic abuse or have any questions then you can talk to Adrian Scantlebury, Fr. Dan or Simon Moules in confidence.

'Looking the other way' is not an option.

Ensure that the best practice becomes the common practice. Do not take your worries home with you. Everyone has a responsibility for safeguarding the young or vulnerable adults. We must be vigilant and alert in the way that we care for ourselves and others here in our church.