A major conference on providing a safe environment within churches has been planned by the Presbyterian Church and will take place in Belfast at the beginning of September.
Called 'Taking Care 2005' the conference aims to further heighten the awareness of child protection and safety issues as they relate to churches.
"With so may people of all ages coming into our churches we need to be ever conscious of how we can continue to create a safe environment from the point of view of what is required of us through legislation, what is good practice and what is straight forward common sense," says Lindsay Conway, the Presbyterian Church's Director of Social Service.
Planned for Saturday 3 September in Church House, Belfast, the event will last from 10.30am until 4.00pm and it is expected that there will be at least one representative from every Presbyterian congregation though the event is open to others as well.
In the morning speakers from will include representatives from the areas of Child Care, Policing, Voluntary Organisations and Insurance will address the delegates. The afternoon will take the form of workshops on subjects including selection of leaders, what happens when a complaint is made, insurance issues, creating a safe environment and things to be aware of when organising outings, residentials and camps.
"Earlier this year the Presbyterian Church launched 'Taking Care' as a programme of best practice when working with people of all ages in a church environment," continues Lindsay Conway. " We hope the conference will re-emphasise much of that programme as well as informing delegates of new procedures and methods."
More information about the conference can be obtained from the Presbyterian Board of Social Witness, Church House, Belfast BT1 6DW, tel: 028 9032 2284
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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