Proud of our diversity

We want St Helens to be a place where everyone is welcome regardless of the race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are proud of our community and think it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the various diversity events and awareness days. To share information with the public, improving understanding between different sections of the community, enabling us to coexist in a town where there is no place for hate.

What is hate crime

St.Helens Against Hate

Hate Crime is any offence or hostility directed at individuals, groups and communities because of who they are or who someone thinks they are. 

It can include threats, physical harm, property damage and harrassment towards you, because of your race, religion, disability, sexuality, gender identity, nationality or ethnicity.

If you're not sure whether you have experienced an incident of hate, Stop Hate UK offers the following rule of thumb:  if you think it is, it is.

We believe hate crime is under reported in St Helens. We do not want victims to suffer in silence and we are working hard to give victims the confidence to come forward and tell us. When you report hate crime, you will be taken seriously.

Reporting hate crime

Ideally the first point of contact would be Merseyside Police, they have dedicated, specially trained officers who can help with reports of incidents of hate.  They can be contacted; 

  • On the Merseyside Police website, 
  • On the phone: 101
  • In an emergency situation, you should always call 999 (if you feel like you are in immediate danger)
  • Via social media: Facebook Merseyside Police CC Twitter @MerpolCC

 

If you don't feel able to report an incident to the Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner has funded Stop Hate UK, who are able to take reports of hate crime 24 hours a day, someone is always available to support you!

The charity provides independent and confidential support to people affected by Hate Crime. There are a number of ways you can contact them;

 

You can also report to the Community Safety Team at St Helens Borough Council - report now by clicking this link.