Support for people affected by the Middle East crisis
The resident-led Hate Crime Working Group is a multi-agency group made up of residents, Faith Groups, Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) groups, Non-Statutory and Statutory organisations including the Police and Council. The group looks at hate crimes in Lewisham to understand how many happen and how they affect people.
They identify any important local patterns or changes and try to find solutions to stop hate crimes in the area. We also continue to prioritise engagement with our Muslim and Jewish communities via our Interfaith forum.
In our commitment to inclusivity as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, we actively address hate crimes through community engagement, fostering understanding and solidarity to ensure Lewisham remains a safe and welcoming haven for all.
How to report a Hate Crime
Lewisham Council has zero tolerance for hate crime, and access to support and justice for those affected is a key priority. Anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime should report it to the Police. Alternatively you can report it via Stop Hate UK’s 24 hour support service, via the Council or via one of our third party reporting sites.
There are also national organisations you can report Hate Crime to. These include:
- Tell MAMA - an independent non-Government organisation to report anti Muslim hate or Islamophobia
- Community Security Trust - a national charity to report Antisemitic Hate Crime
- CATCH - an advocacy service for people facing hate crime in London. It focuses on working with people in the highest levels of risk, impact, and need
- Love Clean Streets app – report hate crime graffiti in the borough on this app. Reports are sent to the relevant team in Lewisham
Support humanitarian efforts
In response to the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, The Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to support the people affected.
If you are concerned about a British national in the Middle East, you can call the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London on 020 7008 5000 and find more advice on GOV.UK.
Talking to children and young people
UNICEF has created a helpful guide for talking to children and young people about conflict and war.
Bereavement support
Mind has developed a guide for individuals coping with bereavement, which includes information on national organisations offering support.
Support and counselling for bereaved adults at is also available from Lewisham Bereavement Counselling Deptford Office and GP surgeries in the borough.
Faith Security Training: Face-to-face sessions
The Home Office has launched the Faith Security Training project, offering free security awareness training for faith communities. Developed in collaboration with government departments and security experts, this initiative aims to raise awareness of security risks and response strategies.
Piloting face-to-face sessions, the Home Office is encouraging feedback from faith community leaders to ensure effectiveness in enhancing safety at places of worship. The Faith Security Training course is designed to equip participants with essential skills to enhance the security and safety in their places of worship.
To attend a pilot session, please fill out the expression of interest form. If you have any questions, please contact 03301 75 69 62 or email FaithSecurityBooking@cdsds.uk.
Social media awareness
Following advice from the Police, we urge caution when sharing news and updates on social media and messaging apps. Make sure any information comes from a reliable source, such as the Government, Police, Community Security Trust or Tell MAMA.
For the latest trusted updates on social media, follow @metpoliceuk, @CST_UK or @TellMamaUK.