London,
04
February
2021
|
15:44
Europe/London

Camden launches 24-hour helpline with Stop Hate UK

Camden has joined forces with national charity Stop Hate UK to introduce a new 24-hour helpline dedicated to supporting residents affected by hate crime.

If you see or experience any incident that is perceived by the victim or any other person to be racist, homophobic, transphobic, or due to a person’s religion, belief, gender identity or disability, it may be a hate crime.

Hate incidents can take many different forms including verbal and online abuse, threats, bullying, physical violence and damage to property.

It is a sad fact that that hate crime is on the rise across London, with 1,102 offences recorded between 2019 to 2020 by the police.

Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People, Equalities and Cohesion
“We want Camden to be a safe, strong and equal place for everyone who lives, works and studies here. This is no place for hate.

“It is important to remember however that if you do witness harmful or hateful behaviour in our borough, or experience it yourself, there is help and support available.

“By reporting hateful behaviour when it happens to you, or when you see it happen to someone else, you may be able to help us stop others being targeted in the same way.

“We really welcome the arrival of the Stop Hate UK Helpline for our residents and encourage anyone experiencing any form of abuse because of who they are to come forward and seek support.

“Sadly in a world where hate crime is still a huge challenge having an organisation like Stop Hate UK will help us tackle these dreadful crimes.”
Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People, Equalities and Cohesion

Chief Superintendent Raj Kohli, Borough commander for Camden and Islington said:

“I know that some people aren’t comfortable in telling the police when they have been a victim of a hate crime or just don’t know what to do - that is where Stop Hate UK’s helpline is so important.

“I want to thank Stop Hate UK for all that they have been doing and am truly delighted this very important service is now available in Camden.”

Rose Simkins, Chief Executive of Stop Hate UK, said

“The Stop Hate Line, including all our range of reporting channels, gives all those affected by and witnesses to Hate Crime in Camden, a safe and independent place to talk about their experiences and to explore their options for taking things further.

As we know, all forms of Hate Crime are significantly under-reported and some individuals, people and communities are reluctant or unwilling to talk to the police or their council.

No one should have to suffer any form of Hate Crime and we are able to support people who perhaps feel they have nowhere else to turn.”

Launched this week, the new service will give victims and witnesses in Camden a safe and confidential space to talk about their experiences with trained staff and volunteers able to provide a non-judgemental listening ear, as well as advice on appropriate action and accessing further help. The helpline will support those affected by both hate crimes and hate incidents.

The Stop Hate helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year on 0800 138 1625. The helpline is also available by text message on 07717 989 025 and by email to [email protected]

Service users with hearing impairments can report via interactive British Sign Language by following the link on www.stophateuk.org. Victims and witnesses can also chat on the web or fill in an online form by visiting www.stophateuk.org/talk

Residents and visitors to the Borough can also contact the Stop Hate UK helpline anonymously if they prefer.

However, if someone does chose to give their personal details to Stop Hate UK, staff will ensure they request consent before passing on any information to the police and council.

Stop Hate will always listen and support everyone who contacts them and together we will work out the next steps to making the situation better.

Further information

Stop Hate UK is one of the leading national organisations working to challenge all forms of Hate crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. Stop Hate UK provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties. Stop Hate UK will provide services for people affected by Hate Crime in Camden.

For information on how to recognise a hate crime, and links to further support services, please visit: https://www.camden.gov.uk/hate-crime