Public bodies including police, fire, a local council and the NHS are showing their opposition to hate and have issued a joint statement that hate has no place in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Led by Uniting Staffordshire Against Hate, a free and confidential support service for victims of hate in the county, partner organisations have come together for Hate Crime Awareness Week to make a clear commitment to work together for a safer and more inclusive society for everyone.
Supported by Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire County Council and the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board, the joint statement says:
“We stand united against hate. As public services and community partners, we are committed to working together to challenge hate crime in all its forms. By supporting victims, holding perpetrators accountable, and promoting respect and understanding across our communities, we send a clear message: hate has no place here. Together, we are building a safer, more inclusive society for everyone.”
Sarah Heath from USAH, a service that is commissioned by the Staffordshire Commissioner and local authority partners to support victims of hate-driven crime, said: “There is no place for hate crime in our society and we are proud to be leading our partners in this pledge against hate in Staffordshire. In a time of rising division and tension, we choose unity, awareness, and action. Together, we can support victims, challenge prejudice, and celebrate the power of diversity.”
Acting Chief Constable Becky Riggs from Staffordshire Police said: “It is vital that policing remains vigilant and proactive around the risks posed by hate crime. In the last 12 months there were 1825 hate crimes recorded and we believe there are many more that go unreported. Over the next week my officers will be focusing on hate crime, engaging with the public and working with licensed venues to raise awareness of what constitutes a hate crime and how people can report it.”
Rob Barber, Chief Fire Officer for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Service wholly supports any effort to reduce instances of hate crime in Staffordshire. Internally we have a really strong focus on a fair and inclusive culture and through our links in the community, we continue to work with partners from all backgrounds to help everyone in Staffordshire feel safe and free from hate.”
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “Hate crime can take many forms, including physical attacks, damage to property, theft, offensive graffiti, threats, intimidation or bullying. Victims can often feel isolated and afraid, and it is important that they get the specialist support they need after a hate crime or incident.”
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader, Jane Ashworth said, “Hate has no place in Stoke-on-Trent, hope and community do. Hate Crime Awareness Week is an important reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued and respected in our city. We stand together with all our communities to challenge prejudice, support those affected by hate and promote kindness and understanding. Stoke-on-Trent is a proud, diverse city – and by speaking out against hate, we can make sure it stays a welcoming place for everyone. We are One Stoke-on-Trent and our goal is to foster a greater sense of pride, trust and belonging among all residents regardless of their origin, background, race or religion.”
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Everyone in Staffordshire has the right to feel safe in their home, on the streets and in their communities. The County Council has a zero-tolerance stance on hate crime and works closely with partners to tackle these issues. The continued visibility and presence of police officers and PCSOs on our streets plays a vital role in building trust, deterring crime, and ensuring that residents feel protected and supported.”
Simon Whitehouse, Chief Executive Officer for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICBs, said: “We stand with our partners in doing everything in our power to make sure our county and city is a safe and inclusive place to live, work and visit. The health and care workforce is diverse, and it is important that we reflect the local communities that we serve. Every single patient, relative and member of staff should feel safe and welcome in all settings across our area. Nobody should feel threatened or at risk in our communities and we will continue to uphold inclusivity and tolerance in all our practices and values. We are committed to taking immediate and decisive action to report and tackle hate crime wherever it is found.”
A hate crime is when someone has a crime committed against them or their property because of either their, Race, Religion, Disability, Sexual Orientation, or Transgender Identity. This will not be tolerated.
Anyone who feels they are a victim of hate crime can report it to Staffordshire Police on their website www.staffordshire.police.uk, to Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or through the True Vision web facility at www.report-it.org.uk.
If you need support after a hate crime or hate incident, contact USAH on 0330 0881 339 or email help@usah.org.uk, or for more information visit www.usah.org.uk.