Hackney Council plans to boost safety by appointing Hate Crime Champions in a new initiative.
The program, starting in March 2024, is a key part of the council’s strategy against hate crimes, recently approved by the cabinet.
They are encouraging people from all parts of the borough to join.
This comes after Met Police figures reveal there were 1,077 hate crimes in Hackney between November 2022 and October 2023.
Hackney Council’s cabinet member, for community safety, Susan Fajana-Thomas, said champions would be “a visible, supporting presence” in the area.
The Hate Crime Champions would play a crucial role in serving as the “main point of contact” for residents who wish to discuss a hate crime or seek advice.
Following the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Met Police and the council increased patrols for community safety, particularly to reassure the Jewish and Muslim communities.
During September and October, anti-Semitic hate crimes surged by 318%, with 67 incidents recorded, while Islamophobic hate crimes rose by 350% with nine incidents.
Tell Mama, which supports those impacted by Islamophobia, said there was a “significant fracture” in community cohesion.
Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, told the cabinet meeting:
“We will never allow prejudice to divide our communities. We need to be good neighbours, show solidarity and learn how to be safely active bystanders whenever we see someone subjected to abuse.”
Responding to these issues, the council is also establishing a Hate Crime Forum comprising community members to address and discuss concerns.
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HeadlineHackney Council recruits hate crime champions after rise in attacks
Short HeadlineHackney Council launches scheme as part of a new hate crime strategy
StandfirstMet Police figures reveal there were 1,077 hate crimes in Hackney between November 2022 and October 2023, creating the need for the scheme.
Hackney Council plans to boost safety by appointing Hate Crime Champions in a new initiative.
The program, starting in March 2024, is a key part of the council’s strategy against hate crimes, recently approved by the cabinet.
They are encouraging people from all parts of the borough to join.
This comes after Met Police figures reveal there were 1,077 hate crimes in Hackney between November 2022 and October 2023.
Hackney Council’s cabinet member, for community safety, Susan Fajana-Thomas, said champions would be “a visible, supporting presence” in the area.
The Hate Crime Champions would play a crucial role in serving as the “main point of contact” for residents who wish to discuss a hate crime or seek advice.
Following the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Met Police and the council increased patrols for community safety, particularly to reassure the Jewish and Muslim communities.
During September and October, anti-Semitic hate crimes surged by 318%, with 67 incidents recorded, while Islamophobic hate crimes rose by 350% with nine incidents.
Tell Mama, which supports those impacted by Islamophobia, said there was a “significant fracture” in community cohesion.
Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, told the cabinet meeting:
“We will never allow prejudice to divide our communities. We need to be good neighbours, show solidarity and learn how to be safely active bystanders whenever we see someone subjected to abuse.”
Responding to these issues, the council is also establishing a Hate Crime Forum comprising community members to address and discuss concerns.
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