New hate crime helpline launched in Reading

A new, confidential 24-hour helpline has launched in Reading to help support residents who have been the victim of, or witnessed, a hate crime.

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. It is being funded locally by the Reading Community Safety Partnership and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

If a hate crime is in progress with someone in immediate danger or violence is being used or threatened, then you should call 999, and you can also contact the police on 101 for non-emergency reporting. The addition of the helpline means that anyone who has experienced a hate crime or witnessed something that they perceive as a hate crime can now also contact the helpline for support by calling 0800 138 1625 or texting 07717 989 025 to report what has happened and access support.

Anyone who has experienced a hate crime or witnessed something that they perceive as a hate crime can contact the helpline for support by calling 0800 138 1625 or texting 07717 989 025 to report what has happened and access support.

Residents can contact the Stop Hate helpline if they:

• have experienced hate crime or a hate incident
• have witnessed what they believe to be a hate crime
• are affected by what has happened to someone else
• are unsure whether an incident was hate-related, and need advice
• 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. This can include 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 – please call the helpline on 0800 138 1625.” 

Find out more at www.stophateuk.org