PCSP focus group discuss Disabilities and Hate Crime Awareness

Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) has partnered with Disability Action to host local focus groups as part of its latest consultation.
By Una Culkin
Published 13th May 2022, 11:03 BST
Updated 13th May 2022, 11:39 BST
Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) are currently hosting local focus groups as part of a new consultation. Pictured promoting the consultation are (l-r): Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, Leonard Cheshire; Orlaith Quinn and Michael McCafferty, PCSP Officers; Ashleen Schenning, PCSP member; and Heather Logan, Disability ActionCauseway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) are currently hosting local focus groups as part of a new consultation. Pictured promoting the consultation are (l-r): Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, Leonard Cheshire; Orlaith Quinn and Michael McCafferty, PCSP Officers; Ashleen Schenning, PCSP member; and Heather Logan, Disability Action
Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) are currently hosting local focus groups as part of a new consultation. Pictured promoting the consultation are (l-r): Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, Leonard Cheshire; Orlaith Quinn and Michael McCafferty, PCSP Officers; Ashleen Schenning, PCSP member; and Heather Logan, Disability Action

It aims to establish what makes people with disabilities feel safe and unsafe in the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

Feedback from the consultation will allow the PCSP to better understand the needs of those with disabilities and identify ways to help them feel safe in their homes and the wider community.

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One of the recent focus groups, held in Roe Valley Arts and Culture Centre in Limavady, concluded with a hate crime awareness talk facilitated by Leonard Cheshire, a disability hate crime advocacy organisation.

PCSP Manager Jonny Donaghy said: “The PCSP wants everyone in our community to feel safe especially those who are most vulnerable. We would encourage everyone with a disability to take part in this important consultation exercise. If you support or care for someone with a disability, we also wish to hear from you.

“Hate crime can be widely misunderstood but it can have a huge impact on the lives of victims. We hope that this session helps increase awareness of hate crime, encourages reporting and that it has helped people with disabilities to know that support is available.”

Speaking at the event, Leonard Cheshire’s Hate Crime advocate Gabrielle Fitzpatrick said: “Crime – any crime – is a tragedy, and even more so when you are targeted for ‘who you are’. Disabled people often experience abuse in many forms and believe they have to put up with it, but they don’t.

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“The Disability Hate Crime Advocate will provide support and advice for any victim who wishes to report disability hate crime and take action to prevent it in the future.”

The PCSP wants to hear from anyone who has a disability or supports or cares for a disabled person as part of this consultation.

The online questionnaire can be accessed here: https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/council/council-consultations/policing-and-community-safety-partnership-pcsp-fear-of-crime-survey

Easy Read versions are also available.

Anyone who needs any help to fill in the questionnaire please email [email protected] or telephone 07511 046 188.

To access a Sign Video please visit: https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/signvideoThe consultation will remain open until Thursday, May 19.