A NEW helpline has been launched to support residents who have been the victims of or witnessed hate crime in Reading.
The Stop Hate phone service is being promoted during Hate Crime Awareness Week for anyone who has experienced prejudice or been targeted because of any aspect of their identity.
It is run by Stop Hate UK, with calls answered by trained staff who will listen to people’s experiences and provide confidential and independent support, including access to resources and advice in a variety of languages.
The service is funded locally by the Reading Community Safety Partnership and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Residents can contact the Stop Hate helpline if they have experienced hate crime or a hate incident or have witnessed what they believe to be a hate crime.
They can also call if they are affected by what has happened to someone else or are unsure whether an incident was hate-related, and need advice.
It also provides support for those who want to talk through what happened and understand their options before deciding what to do next.
A hate crime is any criminal offence that is motivated by hostility and prejudice towards a person ’s identity or perceived identity.
It can happen online and offline, and can pertain to disability, race, religion/faith, sexual orientation, transgender identity, or alternative subcultures.
Anyone can be affected by hate crime but it should never be tolerated.
The Stop Hate helpline has been adopted in a number of areas including London boroughs, Manchester, Merseyside and Newcastle.
Finn McGoldrick, Lead Councillor for Community Safety and Environmental Services, said:
“Reading is a wonderful town full of lots of different communities who deserve to feel safe. Everyone should be able to live, work, and study in our town without experiencing hate.
“To mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week, we are letting people know about this additional support to reassure residents that hate crime can and should be reported and support is available through the helpline.
“Through our partnership with Stop Hate UK, residents can access the Stop Hate Line for confidential support, information and signposting. If you or someone you know has experienced hate, you don’t have to deal with it alone.”
The Hate Crime Helpline is available via: 0800 138 1625
