Find Help and Support
The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is an absolute priority at Carlisle Cathedral. Safeguarding is God's love in action, and the Chapter and Cathedral community work hard to make the Cathedral a safe and secure place where abuse and mistreatment of others will not be tolerated.
If you have a Concern about a child or vulnerable adult
If you think that a child or an adult is in immediate danger, you MUST ring the police using the 999 emergency number. If you’re concerned about a child or an adult, or if you’ve suffered abuse yourself and would like to talk about it, please ring one of the numbers below:
Cumbria County Council Children’s Services:
Tel. 0333 240 1727 (Cumbria Safeguarding Hub)
Email: safeguardinghub.fax@cumbria.gov.uk
Cumbria County Council Adult Social Care:
Tel: 0300 303 3249 or 01228 526690 (out of hours)
Email: carlislessd@cumbria.gov.uk
Local Police:
Tel. 101
Email: 101@cumbria.police.uk
Victim of Abuse
If you are the victim of abuse and would like to talk to someone:
Church-related abuse
Safe Spaces Service offers support to survivors of church-related abuse whether or not a report has been made. This independent service is run by the charity Victim Support and funded by the Church of England, together with the Catholic Church in England and Wales and the Church in Wales.
It is free to access via telephone, email or web-chat.
- Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
- Email: safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk
- WebChat – via the Safe Spaces website
Domestic Abuse
If you, or someone you care about, is experiencing domestic abuse, you can phone The National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Seek help
The Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) website offers updates and advice in respect of a range of issues, including domestic abuse. In particular access for men to domestic abuse services can be difficult. The PCC has a specific link – https://cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/domestic-abuse-services-can-help-men-in-cumbria/ . The ManKind initiative (01823 334 244) www.mankind.org.uk can also offer support to both victims and their families.
Cathedral contacts for safeguarding related concerns
Chapter Safeguarding Lead is:
The Revd Canon Dr Benjamin Carter
Tel. 01228 521857
Email: canonwarden@carlislecathedral.org.uk
Cathedral Lay Safeguarding Lead is:
Mr David Allen
Tel: 07393 993519
Email: dallenclsl@gmail.com
Diocesan and Cathedral Safeguarding Adviser is:
Joanna Van Lachterop
Tel. 07458 016884
Email: safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk
