Communities affected by hate crimes across Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth will benefit from new reporting points in trusted locations thanks to funding from the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Charity EQuIP has developed the project with PCC grant funding.

It will see community, faith and voluntary organisations provide safe and accessible reporting locations for anyone who may be affected by hate.

These 30 points are spread across Warwickshire.

Photo from the launch meeting for new Hate Reporting Points across Warwickshire. Picture supplied.

placeholder image — Photo from the launch meeting for new Hate Reporting Points across Warwickshire. Picture supplied.

The seven points in the Warwick district are as follows: The Polish Community Centre, Baitul Ehsan Mosque, Brunswick Hub, Citizens Advice South Warwickshire and Leamington Library & Information Centre in Leamington, Kenilworth Library and Warwickshire Vision in Warwick.

Representatives at each have been trained to recognise hate crime, offer support and act as hate reporting points.

They will provide a safe, trusted and accessible reporting point in the community where hate can be reported, with victims receiving initial

guidance and signposted to specialist support services.

All reports which are made at the 30 locations will be collated on a regular basis and shared with the Hate Crime Partnership to support their work in tackling hate across the county.

All points have been accredited under the Hate Crime Charter, which is delivered by EQuIP and supported by the PCC, Warwickshire Police, Victim Support and Community Safety Partnerships.

Speaking at a launch event for the new reporting points, Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said:

“I want to thank EQuIP and each organisation who have signed up to become a designated hate reporting point for helping to make this possible.

“These hate reporting points are not just places to share what has happened. They are a visible reminder that support is available, that people will be listened to, and that no one should feel they have to face hate alone.

“Together, we can continue to build a Warwickshire where everyone feels safe, respected and able to be themselves.”

Junaid Hussain, Chief Executive of EQuIP added: “Too many people who experience hate still do not feel confident or comfortable reporting what has happened to them.

"The Hate Reporting Points bring support closer to communities, providing trusted and accessible places where people can speak to someone, be listened to and receive appropriate support with reporting hate.”