A local organisation that tackles hate crime has received a grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund.Chase Against Crimes of Hate (CACH) has been given funding for an ongoing service which deals with hate crime.
The project, which covers Stafford, South Staffordshire and Cannock, provides support to victims at their base in Stafford Borough Council’s offices or in a more personal environment, such as a victim’s home.
In September 2013, CACH won a National Diversity Award for the positive work done to tackle hate crime and supporting diversity.
The £12,000 grant has been awarded from the PCC’s Proceeds of Crime Fund (formerly known as the Local Policing Fund) and will be used to help fund the service.
PCC Matthew Ellis is ensuring that 100 per cent of funding received by Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures is going back to local communities.
The Proceeds of Crime Fund is supporting projects in conjunction with local policing teams and local authorities. It is made up of assets and money seized by police from criminals in Staffordshire under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Mr Ellis said: “For the first time, 100 per cent of funding that comes back to Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures is going directly to local communities.
“Chase Against Crimes of Hate offers an invaluable service for individuals who suffer from hate crime.
“This money will help them continue to deliver crucial frontline support to people who really need it.”
CACH actively visits schools and community hubs teaching people of all ages about differences within society. The project recently visited the Staffordshire unit of the Young Police Cadets Service at Police HQ in Weston Road (see pictures).
Hate crime is where a person is bullied, taunted or even physically assaulted because of their sexuality, race or religion, gender, class, a disability, the way they look, the way they dress.
In the last 12 months, CACH have seen reports of hate crime increase by 246 per cent as more people come forward to report incidents.
Anna McLauchlan, Coordinator of CACH said: “CACH are delighted to have received £12,000 from the PCC to help in our vital work in tackling hate crime.
“Hate crime targets the most vulnerable in our society, whether related to disability, race, sexuality, religion or just someone’s appearance.
“This funding will help, not just in supporting victims but also in running information and education programmes which will have a positive and lasting impact on the communities we live in.”
For more information contact Chase Against Crimes of Hate on 0797 149 7988 or visit www.cachpartnership.org.uk
