First Holywood is part of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI). The aim of PCI is to create and promote a safe environment for children, young people and leaders. We believe that next to proclaiming God’s Word and the love of Christ, nothing could be more important than keeping our children and young people safe. 

 

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is about preventing harm and abuse, and protecting people when they need it, from harm and abuse.  

​

Prevention

Prevention is about all of our good practices and safe relationships with one another as we engage with each other in ministries. Prevention is about open and transparent processes that we all understand and a culture in which we all agree to take care of one another.  ​This makes safeguarding everyone’s business.  

​

Protection

Protection is when we must act and do something immediate to keep children or adults from being harmed.  That might mean, for example, phoning the police or reporting someone of concern to social services.  

​

What if you have a concern?

If you would like to speak to someone about a safeguarding concern relating to First Holywood Presbyterian Church or in relation to the Presbyterian Church generally, please get in contact with our Safeguarding Lead or Safeguarding Elder via the Church Office.

 

Or contact the PCI Safeguarding team at:

​

Email: safeguarding@presbyterianireland.org

​

Tel: +44 (0)28 9041 7234 (Mon to Fri 9.30am–4.30pm)

​

You can leave a voicemail at this line however this will only be picked up within office hours and this is a general line monitored by administration staff.

​