Stop Hate UK Helpline launches in Camden

Commenting on the launch of the service in Camden, Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People, Equalities and Cohesion said: “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.”

Our own Chief Executive, Rose Simkins, said: “All forms of Hate Crime are significantly under-reported and some individuals and people and people and communities are reluctant or unwilling to talk to the police or their council.

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

Rose continued:

“We are able to support people who feel they have nowhere else to turn. Contact with our helpline, or other reporting channels, might be the first time an individual has talked to someone about the things they are experiencing. Other people may have tried to get help but find they are not satisfied with the response they received. No one should have to suffer Hate Crime in silence. Sadly the occurrence of Hate Crime has increased nationally but, working together with the council, statutory and community bodies, we can help to make a difference in Camden.”

People can contact the Stop Hate Line anonymously if they prefer. Where someone has chosen to give their personal details to Stop Hate UK, their trained staff and volunteers will ask who they want their details to be shared with. We can also share information with the police and council, with consent, to ensure that those affected by Hate Crime, in any way, can access the support they need.

The Stop Hate Line 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 talk@stophateuk.org. Service users with Hearing Impairments can report via interactive BSL by clicking the link on our website www.stophateuk.org. Victims and witnesses can also chat on the web or fill in an online form by visiting www.stophateuk.org/talk.