Smile Stop Hate Crime
Have a look below at how we support people, raise awareness and campaign in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and beyond
Smile! Stop Hate Crime is dedicated to keeping people with learning disabilities and autism safe and fully included in the life of Nottingham City & County.
We aim to
Increase understanding of what hate crime is and how to report it.
Support the reporting of disability hate crime so that we can increase our understanding of Disability Hate Crime in Nottinghamshire.
Ensure people with learning disabilities are welcome and are kept safe in all areas of our community.
Ensure the voice of people with learning disabilities and their safety concerns are listened to and their needs met. In order to do this we will work with Nottingham Police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, the CPS, courts and councils.
What we are doing to work towards achieve these aims:
Working with Volunteers to extend the reach of our project.
Supporting people with learning disabilities to present their own safety concerns to the people who make decisions about our lives.
Campaigning to create change by working with business, council and the third sector.
Creating and delivering workshops, training sessions and events.
Working with new and emerging communities on disability and The Equality Act 2010.
Developing The Safe Places Scheme in partnership with the National Safe Places Scheme
If you are affected by hate crime and want to tell us, or you have any questions please contact Karen by clicking the button
Campaigns
“Disability hate crime is not fully recognised and perpetrators are not appropriately punished.”
(Online abuse and the experience of disabled people, January 2019 House of Commons Petitions Committee)
There have been many studies and reports carried out over the last 10 years identifying the fact that disability hate crime is massively under reported. People with learning disabilities face particular challenges in reporting crime and their security, health and wellbeing are often adversely affected. We campaign for the rights of people with learning disability to live safely without being subjected to hate crime. We work with our partner organisations to encourage the reporting of hate crime and campaign to ensure that when reports are made people with learning disabilities are supported in the right way. Partners including:
Nottinghamshire Mencap, Police and University work together to support people with disability to stay safe in our community.
People with disabilities can be disproportionately vulnerable to crime in our community. Nottingham Mencap have worked with Nottinghamshire Police Service, The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner & Nottinghamshire Trent University to produce a film and an easy read guide to support people applying for a Pegasus Card. The film and booklet explain what a Pegasus card is? How it works, and how to get one?
What Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham Mencap say:
What is Pegasus and why do I need a card?
People with learning disabilities can find it especially hard to communicate with the police in an emergency and may have additional communication needs. People can apply online (https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/Pegasus) to receive a Pegasus Card, this means that in an emergency, instead of spending time giving personal details when they maybe distressed; the individual can say “Pegasus” and give their card number. The officer dealing with the incident can then quickly look up information about the person and gain an understanding of their challenges. This enables officers to establish how best to help the individual as quickly and as effectively as possible.
How do I get a Pegasus Card?
Use the new easy read help booklet attached to apply online. Simply click on the picture above.
You can also click on the YouTube video for more information below.
“It helps in our contact with individuals around our communities who may find other methods of communication does not fit their needs. It gives people greater flexibility when accessing Police, Fire or Ambulance allowing individuals to decide on the best form of communication for them.” Police Spokesperson
“ We whole heartedly support Nottinghamshire Police and the Pegasus Scheme to help people stay safe in our community.” Many of our service users use public transport and enjoy going out and about in the city centre. Being part of this scheme gives them an added confidence and security that if something goes wrong, they can get help easily. Nottingham Mencap will be supporting people with learning disabilities and local disability organisations, to sign people over the coming year. We want people with learning disabilities to be able to access community assets in the same way as everyone else. This card will help do that”.
Karen Aspley Smile! Stop Hate Crime Project, Nottingham Mencap
We have collaborated with various other to produce the following safety videos:
A short animated film to support vulnerable people to stay safe. The film looks at phone and doorstep safety and it is suitable for people with learning disabilities and autism.
The film was created by students studying at Nottingham Trent University with the support of The Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commission and Nottingham Mencap.
A short animated film to empower people with learning disabilities to protect themselves by saying no. People with learning disabilities and autism sometimes find it difficult to say no to be people who are a danger to them, or their property.
The film was made by students studying at Nottingham Trent University with Nottingham Mencap. Thanks to Nottingham Mencap and Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commission for their support.
Disability Hate Crime. What we are doing in Nottingham.
A film made by Whitefoot Photography with Nottingham Mencap and Nottingham City Council for Hate Crime Awareness Week 2020. Experience of Disability Hate Crime.