Safeguarding

At Durham Cathedral the welfare of everyone we welcome, including children, young people and vulnerable adults, is a priority and safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. The aim is to ensure a safe environment for everyone who wishes to worship, visit or contribute to any of the cathedrals activities.

Find help and support:

There are lots of ways to report a safeguarding concern.

If you are in the cathedral or on its grounds and you or someone you know is at risk of abuse, harm, neglect or exploitation, please find a member of clergy, staff or volunteer at the cathedral. If you witness an event you find worrying whilst in the cathedral, please let a member of our team know as soon as possible.

If you are not in the cathedral and would like to discuss safeguarding or need to report any concerns, you can contact the Durham Cathedral Safeguarding Officer using the following details:

Telephone

07951 624103

(Please note this number is not 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

If you have urgent concerns about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call the emergency services on 999.

Support for victims and survivors

Durham Cathedral is committed to supporting victims and survivors of abuse. We would encourage anyone affected by abuse, either as a victim or because they know someone who has been a victim, to contact us for help or seek advice from the services below:

Other services and support

Here are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:

  • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
  • Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
  • National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
  • Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
  • Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5 pm)
  • NAPAC (The National Association for People Abused in Childhood): 0808 801 0331 (Monday – Thursday 10am – 9pm Friday 10am – 6pm) or email support@napac.org.uk
  • The Survivors Trust: 08088 010818 (free 7 day a week helpline) or email helpline@thesurvivorstrust.org

Meet the Safeguarding Team

Pillars of Hope: Safeguarding Week

Durham Cathedral is a safe space where everyone is welcome. Every year we host a Safeguarding Week in autumn to show support for victims and survivors of abuse, and encourage our community to reflect on the words of those whose lives have been affected by abuse.

Read about our previous Safeguarding Weeks at Durham Cathedral