UPPER WEARDALE BENEFICE

Website and service times here

Rector: Rev'd Susan Kent (01388) 528722
Curate SSM: The Rev'd Brenda Bloomfield (01388) 527980
Authorised Pastoral Assistants: Mr R & Dr B Ferguson

The Benefice Comprises the following Churches:

 Eastgate: All Saints
Churchwardens
Mrs C A Blackburn
Mrs K Hutchinson
Frosterley: St. Michael & All Angels
Churchwarden
Mr C S Johnson
Mrs P Lord
Heatherycleugh: St. Thomas
Churchwardens
Mr D S Rutherford
Mrs S Senior
Rookhope: St. John the Evangelist
Churchwarden
Miss J Hogarth
St. John's Chapel: St. John the Baptist
Churchwardens
Mr I Hedley
Mrs D M Sutcliff
Stanhope: St. Thomas
Churchwardens
Mr J D Anstee
Mrs S Foster
Website link
Westgate: St. Andrew
Churchwardens
Mrs C M S Graham
Mr A E Peart
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DEALING WITH DOMESTIC ABUSE

 

A DAY TO LEARN ABOUT THE ISSUES INVOLVED AND HOW INDIVIDUALS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

 

SATURDAY 14TH. NOVEMBER

STANHOPE METHODIST CHURCH HALL

10.30AM

8,200 men and women abused in County Durham in 2008-09

These shocking numbers come from the official police statistics of reported incidents - and they are all happening in our homes. In the South Durham area, which includes Weardale, there are an average of 250-280 incidents of domestic abuse reported each month. The abuse can be psychological, emotional, sexual and financial, as well as physical, and often has more than one element. In addition to the damage done to the individuals, there is the effect it has on children in the families, who often witness the abuse and are inexorably involved - another form of child abuse, which can go on to have serious repercussions for the individual child and for society as a whole. The police estimate that from the 8,200 incidents, another 5,500 children are affected.

            What has this to do with me, you might be asking? I don't know anyone who is being abused. ARE YOU SURE? The perpetrators of this violence are expert in concealing their activities and those suffering are often too ashamed to admit it. This is a crime that occurs in every community, and turning a blind eye to it is no longer acceptable. Everyone has a responsibility to try to halt this escalating still further. 50% of all murders are committed by family members, often as a result of abusive behaviour, and there are 3 murders every day in the UK. If you report your suspicions, you could avert someone's death.

            In order to raise awareness of this grim issue in our area, Churches Together in Weardale is holding a one day event on SATURDAY 14TH. NOVEMBER AT 10AM AT STANHOPE METHODIST CHURCH HALL. Tim Atkins will lead the day and help us to understand the issues and how we can help to make a difference. This is not an easy or a pleasant subject, but it is not one we can ignore, for the sake of the families concerned and for the sake of the wider community. Everyone is invited to attend. For further details and to book a place, please contact Carole Hopkinson, tel: 57827