A summary…

Harvest Church recognises that children, young people and vulnerable adults are an integral part of today’s church. Harvest Church is committed to nurturing, safeguarding and protecting all people, especially children and young people and those adults who may be vulnerable. The Church aims to provide a safe and secure environment within which children, young people and vulnerable adults will be treated with respect and dignity, as we nurture them in developing the right relationship with God. The safeguarding, well being and care of children and vulnerable adults within Harvest Church activities will be based on sound pastoral care and good practice, and comply with legal requirements and guidelines.

Harvest Church Safeguarding Policy clearly demonstrates the commitment of the organisation and its leadership to the safety, care and well being of children, young people and vulnerable adults and will ensure that all those who work with or have contact with children and vulnerable adults will follow the same standards of care, thus minimizing the risk of false allegations.

It has more recently been recognized that adults with disabilities can be equally vulnerable to abuse and neglect; as well as those with mental health problems and conditions such as dementia. We are also aware that adults may have been abused within relationships of trust, such as counselling. As a result of our increased understanding, it is vital that the leadership at Harvest Church ensure that measures are put in place to safeguard vulnerable adults as well as children and young people.

The mission of Harvest Church is to work with homeless and disadvantaged adults and carry the word of the love of God to all people including those on the margins of society as well as providing activities and teaching for children and young people. Within the church fellowship there are people in the church and its outreach groups who may be considered vulnerable because of their age or disability though it is important to remember neither of these automatically makes a person vulnerable. In addition, people working within the church may be approached about issues in the wider community, therefore it is essential for Harvest Church to work to a safeguarding policy in order to be able to respond appropriately.