Reporting Abuse and Finding Support

If you have information about a safeguarding situation where a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call the emergency services on 999. Do not delay.

If you wish to report any safeguarding concerns about Lutheran Churches in the UK directly to the Council please email enquiries@lutheran.org.uk. We will ensure that any concerns are referred to the relevant church and/or statutory agency, as appropriate. Please note that as we are an umbrella organisation, and not a governing body, the CLC cannot offer advice in the instance of any abuse reported. The Council recognises a responsibility to those reporting abuse and its members churches and will endeavour to provide resources to enable an investigation where required.

Finding Support

We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing to you and it may add to your hurt by our not being able to assist you. We encourage anyone reporting abuse to contact the Safeguarding Advisor/Officer of the church involved or one of the agencies below 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.
• Childline: 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: 08457 90 90 90 (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 9-5pm)