What We Do
As a Third Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre, our trained staff are here to listen, support, and help you understand your options. We can:
- Provide a safe and confidential space to talk about what happened
- Make a record of the incident
- Provide information about onward reporting options, if you wish to share your report
- Support you to report the incident to the police, if you choose to do so
- Help you to report anonymously, if preferred
- Signpost you to specialist services, including our specialist hate crime victim support service, Uniting Staffordshire Against Hate, for further practical and emotional support.
Using Our Service
Confidentiality
The service is free, independent and confidential.
You remain in control at every stage. Reporting to us does not automatically involve the police.
We will not share your report without your consent, unless there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person.
Who can use this service?
Anyone living, working, or studying in Staffordshire can use this service, including:
- Victims of hate crime or hate incidents
- Witnesses who want to report something they have seen
- Friends or family supporting someone affected
- Professionals who are supporting someone who has experienced a hate crime or incident
You do not need proof or evidence to speak to us. Reports can be made about recent or past incidents.
Contact us
You can report a hate crime or hate incident to us in the way that feels right for you:
In person: Visit us at one of our drop ins or outreach locations
Online: Online Reporting Form
By phone: 0330 0881 339
By email: reachout@casns.org.uk
Need urgent help?
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
For non-emergency police reports, call 101.
What is a hate crime and hate incident?
A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity, or a person’s perceived race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.
A hate incident is a non-criminal act which the victim, or anyone else, thinks is based on someone’s prejudice towards them because of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identify.
Hate crimes and incidents may include physical assaults, verbal abuse, online abuse, criminal damage, exploitation, graffiti, bullying and harassment.
Getting help
How we will support you
As a Third Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre, our trained staff are here to listen, support, and help you understand your options. We can:
- Provide a safe and confidential space to talk about what happened
- Make a record of the incident
- Provide information about onward reporting options, if you wish to share your report
- Support you to report the incident to the police, if you choose to do so
- Help you to report anonymously, if preferred
- Signpost you to specialist services, including our specialist hate crime victim support service, Uniting Staffordshire Against Hate, for further practical and emotional support.
Why reporting matters
Reporting hate crime helps:
- Ensure victims receive support
- Build a clearer picture of hate crime in Staffordshire
- Improve local responses and prevention
- Challenge hate and discrimination in our communities
Even if you do not want to take further action, your report still matters.
Join Us
If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Third Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre, please contact us on 0330 0881 339 or reachout@casns.org.uk.
"Since using your service, I have felt so much better in myself … I didn’t know where else to go, now my issue is totally resolved. It’s like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.”
Service User
The guy I spoke to was called Chris he was very thorough and listened to my problems with empathy, he gave me some information immediately but said he would check out some further advice and call me back, he rang me back within the hour and took the time to convey the information and explained things very well.
Thank you.
Telephone User
"I am very happy with the outcome I have managed to get from the trader and wanted to thank all involved."
Consumer User
"It's really wonderful you have someone to turn to, as I wouldn't pursue things without Citizens Advice help. Everything is difficult to do these days (forms/paperwork, especially). It is great to be seen by a friendly face and receive the help and information I need."
Service User
"I found the whole process of seeking advice to be simple and stress-free. The staff were pleasant and informative."