Support following recent riots across England
Everyone has the right to feel safe in their homes and in their communities. Right now, not everyone does because of the distressing rise in violence and abuse over recent weeks.
At Connect, we have been appalled by what has happened and we know that many customers will be feeling more anxious about the rise in racist abuse and islamophobia, which you may have experienced directly or seen on social media or T.V.
We know many of you will be concerned about your own safety during this period. Working with partners – including the police who are working hard to protect the community – we will do what we can to support any customer who may have been impacted; that includes helping you if you experience any racist or anti-social behaviour in and around your home. We have a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and will take action against those involved.
West Yorkshire’s diversity is a strength, and it is more important than ever that we support one another with compassion, understanding and solidarity. As the late local MP Jo Cox said:
‘’We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.”
Sadly, there is a lot of misinformation around. Please be cautious about where you source information, especially rumours around further unrest. If it hasn’t come from official sources, it may be false information.
If you experience, witness or have been involved in a hate crime you can report it through West Yorkshire Police. Reporting makes a difference – to you, your friends, and your life. If you see a crime that is in progress or if someone is in immediate danger, please call 999 without hesitation.
We strongly encourage you to report any criminal activity to the police. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can make a report through the Crimestoppers website.
Stop Hate UK supports individuals and communities who have been impacted by hate crime. Any incidents of hate crime can also be reported through their website: Report all Hate Crime – Stop Hate UK.
Support is also available from Tell Mama, a confidential support service for those suffering from anti-Muslim hate and discrimination across the UK. Their website has a number of different ways to report anti-Muslim incidents, including via phone or WhatsApp. The site also hosts useful resources.
If you’ve been directly affected by recent events, whether at home or in your neighbourhood, or have suggestions about what we could do to help, please reach out to us. You can fill out the form below or contact us on 0300 5000 600.