To mark the end of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, our Tattenhoe Ward Councillors, in collaboration with Thames Valley Police, engaged with Westcroft residents to raise awareness of hate crime and highlight the importance of reporting incidents.
Supported by fellow Conservative councillors and Iain Stewart MP, the team spoke to many residents, listening to their experiences and signposting to the support services available.
Cllr Shazna Muzammil said: “Hate crime is still prevalent in our diverse community, and it is critical that everyone understands what constitutes a hate crime. It's also important that we know where to turn for help. It was heart-breaking to hear from so many women, men and young people who appear to have been affected by disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, or sexual orientation, and the problem is very real. We must do much more to create a hate-free and considerate society, and we can begin by being kinder to one another.”
Cllr James Lancaster added: "I am extremely honoured to have been able to work with colleagues, TVP and MKCC on getting an important message out. No one deserves any hate crime towards them so anything we can do locally, such as holding these events, is important and helps us source information on how to tackle this problem. The information shared really were beneficial and many people welcomed our help and stance. Cllr Muzammil and I, as your Local Cllrs, alongside our group, will always do what we can to help, work and champion the residents."
If you have been a victim of hate crime, please report it to the police on their online portal: Report hate crime | Police.uk (www.police.uk) or Report a hate crime - True Vision (report-it.org.uk).
Please reach out to any of these organisations for support:
- Stop Hate UK Stop Hate UK
- Victim Support Victim Support
- Tell MAMA Report in Anti-Muslim Hate or Islamophobia (tellmamauk.org)
- Community Secret Trust CST – Protecting Our Jewish Community
- Galop Galop - the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity
