Vicar's Bit For September
Basic Safeguarding Awareness – Safeguarding Training
Members of each of our Parish Church Councils have long understood that, as with any charity, those responsible for a charity are expected, by law, to do Safeguarding training. This has led to a growing awareness of creating a safeguarding culture in our churches. After completing the ‘Basic Awareness’ course, most PCC members have completed the ‘Foundation’ course. As is recommended, we are also putting on the ‘Raising awareness of Domestic Abuse’ course early next year. And Parish Safeguarding Officers will be doing the ‘Leadership’ course in 2026.
There are others, not on the PCC, who legally are required to do the ‘Basic Awareness’ course. (Once done it does not need to be repeated). This includes church bell ringers, church musicians, church sides-persons, church cleaners and church flower arrangers. Which means that most people who come to church are required to do the ‘Basic awareness’ course.
You can do the course on-line: https://gloucester.anglican.org/about-us/safeguarding/training/ However, most people choose to do so in a group. This is recommended, for a group discussion often raises areas of concern you have not previously considered, and there is a leader to talk with as you do the course.
On Tuesday 2nd October 6.30-8pm at Hartpury Old Chapel we are running the ‘Basic Awareness’ safeguarding course. For those who have already completed it this is not for you. We hope during September your Parish Safeguarding Officer will encourage church bell ringers, church musicians, church sides-persons, church cleaners and church flower arrangers to give it a go. Those new to the PCC should also do the course please.
By doing the course you will become aware of the issues involved, have a larger heart and listening ear to survivors, and be able to promote some sensible ways of keeping vulnerable people, young and old, safe from harm. We will work through a few case studies. Those with a Christian faith will take away from the course good theological reasons (this might sound obvious) why our loving God wants to keep everyone out of harm’s way.
A prayer:
Jesus, our brother and friend,
look with kindness and compassion
on those who in the darkness cry out.
Teach us to listen well, and to
sign-post those who can help. Amen.
WEDDINGS coming up We offer our congratulations!
Saturday 13th September
12.00noon Maisemore Church Harry Bloxam and Makaela Jacobs-Pearson
2.30pm Ashleworth Church Thomas Stevens and Isabella Ainslie
Saturday 20th September
1pm Hasfield Church Alexander Teadue and Katie Luff
Saturday 4th October
3pm Hartpury Church Jamie Scott and Elizabeth Bailey
September BAPTISM Welcome into Christ’s Church!
Sunday 28th September
9.30am Corse Church Brodie David Bubb, parents Eleanor and Aaron