We partner with police for safety campaign

In 2023 there were over 13,000 disability hate crimes recorded in the UK, with a 42% increase in disability hate crimes since before the pandemic. In a bid to tackle this national crisis and improve community safety for people with disabilities, our charity has partnered with local and national police forces in a nationwide safety awareness campaign for people who work in and draw on social care.

As part of the campaign, we will be hosting a free safety awareness webinar, taking place on Wednesday 16^th October at 2pm. Coinciding with National Hate Crime Awareness week, this will explore how care services and frontline support workers can empower the people they support if they experience anti-social behaviour or crime in their communities, including incidents of hate crime and mate crime.

Hosted by our Chief Quality & Risk Officer, Jemima Burnage, the event will welcome special guest speakers, including representatives from UK law enforcement, along with some of the people we support, who will share their first-hand experiences.

Key topics covered in the webinar will include:

• How services can build stronger relationships with their local police in tacking challenges like anti-social behaviour, crime or discrimination.
• Supporting people to recognise and understand if they have been victims of a crime or hate crime, and how we can help stand up for their rights.
• Identifying when people supported might be experiencing “mate crime”—manipulation by a so-called “friend.”
• Guidance on how to assist people supported or colleagues when reporting crimes.

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care said, “Everyone deserves to live and work in a community where they feel safe. We’re incredibly proud to have partnered with local and national police forces on this vital campaign to promote safety and awareness for people with disabilities. This initiative is more important than ever, as we work to address the alarming rise in disability hate crimes and ensure that people feel safe, supported, and empowered within their communities. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to both local and national police forces for their continued dedication and support in making this campaign possible. Together, we are taking meaningful steps to combat hate and create safer, more inclusive communities for everyone.”

Find out more the campaign and how to join the webinar here: www.communityintegratedcare.co.uk/join-our-free-speak-up-for-safety-webinar/