Police figures reveal incidents of racial and religious hate crime increased by 37 per cent over a year in Lewisham, as a 24-hour helpline is launched.

In the 12 months leading up to June 2020 offences were up 37.13 per cent on the previous year in the borough, with 103 incidents recorded last month alone.

Stop Hate UK has now launched a 24-hour helpline service to tackle the problem, giving people directly affected by or witness to a hate crime a safe and independent place to talk about their experiences.

Lewisham Metropolitan Police Service Tara Duffy, SE BCU Hate crime coordinator and Faith liaison officer, said: “We are delighted that the Stop Hate UK helpline has been launched in Lewisham, on this its 25th Anniversary.

“I am pleased that the residents of Lewisham will a have access to a service that will listen, provide advice and support, and help to explore what to do next.

“We recognise that not everyone wants, or is able, to report hate crimes directly to the police.

“Therefore, we really welcome the support Stop Hate UK can provide our communities here in Lewisham.

“We want to make sure that Lewisham continues to be a welcoming and safe borough for everyone.

“Much work has been undertaken in partnership with Lewisham Local Authority to reassure and address the concerns for our communities.

“However, there is still much work to do to tackle Hate Crime.

“Monitoring tensions and reducing hate crime is a work in progress, as we identify ongoing problems and deal with them head on.”

News Shopper: The service will be based at the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust

Hate crime is a term used to describe an incident or crime against someone based on a part of their identity.

The Lewisham specific service, funded entirely by donations, will be based at the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust from October.

Rose Simkins, Chief Executive of Stop Hate UK, said: “Stop Hate UK is immensely proud to be able to make this gesture to Lewisham, as we have so many strong links with the borough, and it forms a key part of marking our 25th anniversary in tackling Hate Crime.

"We know that all forms of Hate Crime are significantly under-reported and people and communities are often reluctant or unwilling to talk to the police or their council.

"The Stop Hate Line, including all our range of reporting channels, gives those directly affected by or witness to a Hate Crime a safe and independent place to talk about their experiences and to explore their options for taking things further.”

The Stop Hate Line is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year on 0800 138 1625.