Safeguarding
If you have a concern, suspicion or wish to make an allegation of child abuse please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Office: Philip O’Hara, Designated Liaison Person. 120 Cliftonville Road Belfast BT14 6LA. Tel: 028 9049 2798 Mob: 07534992124 Email: philip.ohara@soddc.org. https://downandconnorsafeguarding.com
The Diocese of Down and Connor, as part of the Catholic Church in Ireland, recognises and upholds the dignity and rights of all children and is committed to ensuring their safety and well-being, and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this. The Diocese recognises each child as a gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities which enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.
All Church personnel (including clergy, religious, staff and volunteers) have a responsibility to safeguard children through promoting their welfare, health and development in a safe and caring environment that supports their best interests and prevents abuse.
Parish Safeguarding Committee
The Parish of Maghera Safeguarding Committee is a committee of volunteers setup within the Diocese of Down & Connor to ensure the key messages of safeguarding and best practices in child and vulnerable adult protection are in place at Parish level.
We are guided and advised in all we do by the Down & Connor Safeguarding Office.
Parish of Maghera Safeguarding Committee Members
Fr. Jim Crudden PP
Brenda Webb (Chair)
Kathleen Smith
Anne Makin
Sharon McCormick
All members of the Parish Safeguarding Committee can be contacted via the Parish Office, 24 Downs Road Newcastle, BT33 0AG. Telephone 028 4372 2401 email newcastle@downandconnor.org
Diocese of Down and Connor Safeguarding Policies and Documentation
>> Whistleblowing Policy and Procedures
Review of Safeguarding Practice Across The Diocese
The Diocese of Down and Connor has invited the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland to conduct a review of safeguarding practice across the Diocese. The review will take place from 6th - 9th June 2023.
If you have any views about Safeguarding in the Diocese, you are invited to contact Teresa Devlin, Chief Executive Officer, National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, prior to the review dates: Tel 003531 5053124 or email teresa.devlin@safeguarding.ie.
This is part of the process of learning and maintaining best safeguarding practice across the Diocese and ensuring our Church is a safe and nurturing place for young people where they can grow and develop their faith. Philip O Hara, Interim Director of Safeguarding, Designated Liaison Person, Diocese of Down and Connor