St Vincents RC Church
Mallard Close, Dartford, Kent, DA1 5HU
Safeguarding at St Vincent's
The Catholic Church of England and Wales, including the Archdiocese of Southwark, is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. The Archdiocese and its parishes recognise that the welfare of children, young people and Adults at Risk is paramount and that they have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
At St Vincent’s, Maria Ahmed and Jennie Linnett have been appointed as Parish Safeguarding Representatives (PSR) to assist Father Emeka with Safeguarding. They are responsible for the safer recruitment, screening and training of St Vincent Volunteers who are in roles where they have direct contact with children, young people or adults at risk. They will also help with building awareness about Safeguarding in the parish and assist Father Emeka address any concerns that anyone might have about the welfare and/or risk of harm or abuse of any children, young people or adults in the Parish.
To find out more please see our Safeguarding Factsheet here
If you have any concerns, or would like to know more about Safeguarding at St Vincent's please contact:
Safeguarding Lead
Fr Chukwuemeka Nnaji (Fr Emeka)
I trained for the priesthood at Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu, Nigeria, and was ordained around 25 years ago. I served for nine years in my home Diocese before moving to the United Kingdom. My first appointment here was at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark (2010–2014), followed by eleven years at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Lee, London, before joining St Vincent’s Parish.
As parish priest, I am dedicated to guiding our community in faith and ensuring that St Vincent’s remains a welcoming and safe place for all. Working closely with our safeguarding team, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of care so that every parishioner can participate in parish life with confidence and peace of mind.
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Parish Safeguarding Representative
Jennie Linnett
I have been a parishioner at St Vincent's since 1990. I assist Tony Linnett with Children's Liturgy. I have been active in fundraising events for the Parish's Peru appeal including organising the Jesse Tree project, after church teas, sponsored swims, as well as helping with coordinating meetings within the parish.
After 30 years in marketing and brand management, my final 7.5 years career was as volunteer manager for a older people's charity, where I recruited, trained and provided ongoing support to volunteers in their roles as befrienders. Safeguarding was an important part of managing befriending relationships, so I am able to bring this knowledge and experience to my role as PSR at St Vincent's.
Parish Safeguarding Representative
Maria Ahmed
I have been an active parishioner at St Vincent’s Dartford for some 37 years. I am a reader and a member of the Afro-Caribbean Choir. I was previously a School Governor at St Anselm’s Primary School.
In my professional life I worked within Adult and Children’s Services within a local authority and therefore Safeguarding has always been central to my thinking and my being.
In the role of PSR I am able to continue to communicate the importance of safer recruitment, safe environments and the Duty of Care we all have to others and in particular towards children and vulnerable adults.
Further Information
Anyone can also contact the Archdiocese of Southwark Safeguarding Team Office by telephoning 0207 261 1606 or via email at safeguardingoffice@rcaos.org.uk
Other useful contacts:
Emergency police – 999
Non-urgent police - 101
Southwark Archidiocese Safeguarding pages:
https://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/mission/safeguarding/
Kent Social Services:
03000 41 11 11 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
03000 41 91 91 (outside of office hours - for emergencies only)