Everyone should be able to take part in church life with dignity and without fear of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Children and adults at risk deserve particular care. Concerns about anyone involved in church life should be taken seriously, including concerns about a leader, employee or volunteer.
Immediate danger
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger or needs emergency assistance. Do not wait for a reply from the church. To report a non-emergency crime, contact the police on 101.
Raising a concern with Encounter Arena
Contact the church office on 01375 769149 or info@encounterarena.org and ask to speak privately with the person responsible for safeguarding. You can also ask to speak with a trustee. Start with a safe way for us to contact you and a brief description of the concern; avoid sending detailed sensitive information to a general email inbox.
If your concern involves the person you would normally contact, you do not need to approach them. You can contact the local authority or police directly. You never need the church's permission to report a safeguarding concern to a statutory agency. Website forms and office messages are not an emergency service and are not monitored continuously.
Independent reporting and advice
For a concern about a child, contact children's social care at the local council. The GOV.UK child abuse reporting service helps you find the appropriate team. You do not need to be certain that abuse has happened to ask for advice.
For concerns about an adult at risk, contact adult social care at the council where the person lives. In Grays, this is Thurrock Council. If you believe a crime has occurred, contact the police as well.
The Charity Commission's reporting guidance explains external routes for concerns involving a charity.
When someone tells you about harm
Listen calmly, take the person seriously and let them speak in their own words. Do not investigate, ask leading questions, confront the person alleged to have caused harm or promise to keep everything secret. Make a factual note of what was said, including the date and time, and pass the concern promptly to an appropriate safeguarding professional or statutory agency.
Privacy and support
Safeguarding information should be handled carefully and shared only with people who need it to protect someone or meet a legal duty. Absolute confidentiality cannot be promised where safety is at risk. Reporting a concern in good faith should not prevent someone from receiving support.
Parents and carers can ask the church team about the arrangements for children's activities, supervision and collection before taking part. Please contact the office to request the church's safeguarding policy and the current designated safeguarding contact. Our Privacy Notice explains how personal information is handled.
Version dated 22 September 2026.