ACCORD - If you can’t talk to each other try talking to ACCORD. For an appointment with ACCORD Marriage and Relationship Counselling telephone 71362475.

Adoption: Could you make a child happy again after a difficult start in life? Family Care Society is presently seeking adoptive families who would be interested in parenting children aged between 3 – 8 years and who need the love and attention of a caring and understanding family. For further information please contact Family Care Society on Belfast 90691133 or Derry 71368592 or email: email@familycaresociety.org or visit their website www.familycaresociety.net.

 

Parents Helpline - it helps to talk. Free Confidential Service - Freephone 08088010722, Monday and Wednesday 9.00 am - 8.00 pm. Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm or contact the local office Monday to Friday, 9.00 am - 4.30 pm at 71372006 or visit www.parentsadvicecentre.org.

 

The Society of St Vincent de Paul urgently requires good quality clothes and household furniture. Please contact 71265489 or 71268325 for collection.

 

 

Derry Diocese Child Protection

Annual Update

A lot of work has been accomplished in the area of Child Protection in the Diocese over the past number of years due to the commitment of personnel at all levels in the diocese from the Bishop through to dedicated Parish Representatives working on the ground in all parishes.

The Diocese of Derry continues to put in place those structures, personnel, policies and procedures that will try to ensure the protection and welfare of children and young people in a manner consistent with statutory requirements and Church guidelines. In the light of the teaching of the Church, Civil Legislation and Guidance, every part of the Church community must be committed to taking the necessary steps to:

• Demonstrate that the right of the child to protection from harm is paramount.
• Cherish and safeguard children and young people.
• Foster best practice.
• Support Church organisations and personnel in safeguarding children.
• Establish safe recruitment and vetting practices – aimed at preventing those who pose a risk to children from holding positions of trust.
• Maintain codes of behaviour – having clear guidelines that set out what is and is not acceptable behaviour as an essential part of keeping children safe.

The Diocese now has a Child Protection Committee, Diocesan Co-ordinator, two Diocesan Trainers and a network of Parish Representatives.

The trainers deliver information on “best practice” and raise awareness of child protection issues; they also provide support to parishes within the Diocese. In turn the Parish Representatives will pass on this information and raise awareness within their local parish communities. This is done through information evenings that have been and continue to be held throughout the Diocese.

Notices are displayed in our churches which include the Diocesan Policy Statement, contact numbers for statutory authorities for anyone with a concern in relation to child protection or who wish to make an allegation as well as the names and contact numbers of the diocesan delegates.

 

Safe-guarding Children in St Eugene’s Parish

The safe-guarding of children is at the very heart of the church’s activity. The relationship between Jesus and children was one which valued them and nurtured them. The example of Jesus is, of course, always our standard.

In our parish many people work together to safe-guard children taking part in church activities. Our Parish Representatives for Child Protection are key to this. Along with all who work with children in the parish community, best practice in child-safeguarding is our goal.

Within the Diocese as part of best practice, it is important that each parish fulfil the POCVA requirements of civil law in Northern Ireland. This is the vetting process for all who work with children, whether as employees of the parish or as volunteers. I would ask everyone to cooperate in vetting, both those who are new recruits to parish activies with children, and those who have generously done so for many years. Child safe-guarding is part of our Christian calling.

I thank all of you, who are engaged with children in this parish, for the wonderful work you do, building up the Kingdom of God among the next generation of young Catholics.

Bishop Séamus Hegarty

CURA : 7126 8467

St. Vincent dePaul : 7126 5489

AL-ANON : 9068 2368

AA : 9043 4848

Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice seeks volunteers in the Derry area. The Children’s Hospice provides respite and end of life care for children and young people suffering from life-limiting illnesses both in the Children’s Hospice and in the child’s own home. For further information please contact Rachelle Norry on 07866701350 or email her at rachelle.norry@nihospicecare.com

Disability Action’s Advice Service has put together a leaflet and standard letter for anyone who feels they may wish to challenge their bank or building society regarding excessive penalty charges to their account. Please call in for a leaflet to Disability Action, 58 Strand Road or telephone to make an appointment to discuss your concerns or telephone 71360811 and ask for Claire-Marie or Patricia.

NEXUS Counselling Service offers support to anyone who has been sexually abused, sexually assaulted or raped at any time in their life and are now 17 years old or over. NEXUS believe that the survivor is never to blame, regardless of the circumstances. NEXUS offers workshops for survivors of sexual abuse on a variety of topics including anger management, stress management, self-awareness and assertiveness. Family Education and Support Groups are offered for family members, parents and partners or survivors who may also need support. Contact NEXUS in confidence at 71260566.