Safeguarding Support
Assemblies of God GB recognises the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people and adults with additional care and support needs. We acknowledge that children, young people and adults can be vulnerable to physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect.
We accept the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Human Rights, which states that everyone is entitled to “all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”. We also concur with the Convention on the Rights of the Child which states that children should be able to develop their full potential, free from hunger and want, neglect and abuse.
They have a right to be protected from “all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s), or any other person who has care of the child.” Assemblies of God (GB) is a group of locally autonomous Christian churches who each operate as independent charities. Each one is governed under their own trust deed, and managed by their own trustees and leadership teams. To find out details of their complaints procedures, contact them directly.
We are committed to build constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding as well as with each individual AoG Local Church. All AoG Local Churches are expected to have safeguarding policy and procedures in place, their own structure for reporting concerns, safer recruitment for worker roles, and appropriate safeguarding training.
If you have any concerns:
Assemblies of God (GB) is a group of locally autonomous Christian churches who each operate as independent charities. Each one is governed under their own trust deed, and managed by their own trustees and leadership teams. To find out details of their complaints procedures, contact them directly. For any significant matters of safeguarding concern:
First, speak to the Designated Person for Safeguarding at the AoG Local Church or the Chair of Trustees if:
the behaviour of a child or adult at risk gives cause for concern
an allegation is made in any context about a child or adult at risk being harmed
the behaviour of any individual towards children or adults at risk causes concern
Secondly, if you have received no response at all from the AoG Local Church, they may be members of a professional safeguarding support organisation. Contact either Thirtyone:eight (31:8) or Christian Safeguarding Services (CSS) for guidance:
31:8 - 0303 003 1111 option 2 or https://thirtyoneeight.org/help-and-resources/safeguarding-helpline/
CSS - 0116 218 4420 or email contact@thecss.co.uk
Thirdly, if 31:8 or CSS have been unable to assist you and the AoG Local Church has still not responded to you, please write to AoG GB at safeguarding@aoggb.com giving your details, name of the church and facts of your specific issue. AoG GB shall attempt to assist in signposting you to appropriate support or mediate with the AoG Local Church if it can.
For Specific Helplines
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Hourglass: Hourglass Services
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NSPCC: NSPCC Helpline
NHS Child Protection Helpline: 0800 800 5000
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Mencap: 0808 808 1111
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Government List:Specialist Support Services
Government List: Support for Specific Types of Abuse
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NHS England: Safeguarding Concern
For Other Helplines
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Childline: 0800 11 11
Mind: Mind | Tel: 0300 123 3393
Samaritans: Samaritans | Tel: 0845 790 9090
Shelter: Shelter | Tel: 0808 800 4444
Victim Support: Victim Support | Tel: 0845 303 0900
Kidscape: Kidscape | Tel: 0207 730 3300
Anxiety UK: Anxiety UK | Tel: 0844 477 5774
CAMHS: Young Minds | Tel: 0192 557 9405
Kooth: For Children & Young People
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AtaLoss: AtaLoss
Care for the Family: Care for the Family
The Bereavement Journey: The Bereavement Journey
Non-Christian Bereavement Support: Hub of Hope, Survivors of bereaved to suicide, Papyrus Trust
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Hope UK: Book a Workshop | Free online resources for churches and schools | Online webinar events
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Spurgeons: Spurgeons
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Access Pack: Helping the church support those struggling with mental health issues
Mind and Soul: Mind and Soul
Papyrus: Prevention of Young Suicide
Replenished: Support & Practical Advice for those with Negative Experiences within Faith
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS): SOBS
Sanctuary MHM: Training and Small Group Work
Young Minds: Young Minds
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Self Harm (10-17): SelfHarm UK
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The Survivors Trust: Find Support in Your Area
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Premier Lifeline: Premier Lifeline
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The Mix: The Mix