Communities across the country have experienced violence, intimidation, discrimination and threats over the last month, impacting on people’s sense of safety and wellbeing. Newcastle as a city has come out strongly in defence of a safe, tolerant society and International Newcastle supports the efforts of all partners and communities to reinforce the need to promote hope, not hate.
Read on to find out about key messages from Northumbria Police, to access a Guide to Staying Safe amidst Far Right Violence and for services and support in Newcastle.
Key messages from Northumbria Police
‘We acknowledge that our communities may still feel worried or concerned about the upcoming days. We will continue to deploy an increased number of officers in the community to provide visible reassurance, which we know people appreciate. We want our communities to know that we hear and understand their concerns. We are aware of misinformation circulating on social media.
Please follow Northumbria Police’s social media channels for the latest, correct information. Please speak to officers on patrol or send us a message through social media or our website if you have any concerns or want to report something. We are relentlessly pursuing offenders who were involved in disturbances. They are being put before the courts and given lengthy prison sentences.’ Robyn Bell 58 Sergeant Community Engagement, Newcastle West: www.northumbria.police.uk
- To report a crime or share information, send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media, or use the live chat function and online report forms on the force’s website.
- If you are unable to make contact this way, please call 101 (or use Northumbria Police’s textphone service on 18001 101 if you have a hearing or speech impediment).
- In an emergency situation, or when a crime is actively taking place, always call 999.
Hope not Hate Guide to Staying Safe amidst far-right violence
Hope Not Hate has produced a guide about staying safe amidst far right violence. Click here to download the guide and share the link to the guide with any people, groups, organisations or networks who could benefit from this advice. In the document you will find guidance and support for the following:
- Information for organisations supporting people seeking asylum in Home Office hotels
- Information for charities and community groups who provide centre and service based work
- Information for charities and community groups who carry out community based work, including housing managed in the community
- Information for people fearful of, or at risk of being directly targeted by far-right violence
Please contact Hope Not Hate, NACCOM, Asylum Matters, Praxis or Right to Remain should you wish to add anything to this guide or share any further useful resources.
Support and advice available in Newcastle
There is a wide range of organisations providing advice and support on the frontline to groups such as migrants and our ethnically diverse communities, as well as bringing together organisations to work to support these within Newcastle.
- Information Now hosts information about groups, organisations and activities that can provide support in Newcastle. Visit the Information Now website, follow on social media: facebook, X, Youtube, Instagram, LinkedIn
- Connected Voice have received funding to extend their Community Advocacy Service to people seeking sanctuary. You can find this service here. Connected Voice also have a Hate Crime Advocacy Service available to people seeking sanctuary. Further details can be found here. Professional enquiries to senior advocacy co-ordinator, Laurie Campbell; Laurie.Campbell@connectedvoice.org.uk
- Newcastle City of Sanctuary is part of a UK wide network of towns and cities working to provide places of welcome and safety for refugees and asylum seekers. Sign up here for updates about activities and support in Newcastle. Click here for a Directory of Services, training, the Newcastle City of Sanctuary Council Strategy, translated information about agencies providing advise to those seeking sanctuary and the Health Access Card
- Newcastle Sanctuary Forum brings people and organisations together to explore and learn about the issues related to migration and sanctuary in Newcastle. Click here to find out more
- The HAREF Network is co-ordinated by Connected Voice and is comprised ethnically marginalised-led organisations or organisations with a project specifically for these groups relating to health and wellbeing. The Haref Network meets throughout the year to share information and to respond to issues as they are happening and influence public services. Click here to find out more about the Network and how to get involved.