Last night after a busy day I attended Church of Scotland safeguarding training. I am an elder and trustee in the church. I take the subject seriously, as I know all too well what happens when organisations fail to protect people who rely on them.

I almost talked myself out of going as I had already had a busy day and there was more to do. I told myself I already know all about safeguarding. I am pleased that I didn’t listen to my own arrogance.

The training was held in the heart of Govan. Govan is a place where many warm-hearted people live and where a real sense of community still exists. It also has its social problems.

The training was held in the church. At the start a woman entered, not for the training, but seeking someone to talk to. She was led to a room by a lady where she was given time to talk over a cup of tea. About an hour later, a burly man entered and sat on the pews behind us. He was asked if he was there for the training. He didn’t answer. I was asked by the course leader to talk to the man and see if he was alright. I got off my pew and eventually shuffled up next to him. He could only speak a little English and he was clearly distressed.

He didn’t need safeguarding training. He needed some help. The same lady as before appeared and offered to take him to a quiet place. She had done this before with the earlier visitor, but I could now see that this is a well-practised routine. I was instructed by the course leader to follow. I guess that was because it was a man this time. I suppose I was there for security (safeguarding, perhaps), but all I witnessed was love. Tea was offered and no one was told to get out. No one was rushed. Language barriers continued, but distress left.

The lady told me that this happens all the time in Govan. People see the lit-up door offering a welcome and they come in. It is precisely what churches are for. Compassion is served without charge and everyone is equal without question. It was the most important reminder to me of the relevance of my faith. I am pleased that while I saw my church take safeguarding seriously, it has not lost sight of its fundamental purpose of caring for those on the fringes, as its founder taught us to do.

Allan R M Steele , Giffnock, Glasgow