OTR is a charity for all young people. Our beliefs are founded on anti-racist, anti-oppressive principles. We play our part in creating compassionate, youth-led communities for the young people we exist to serve, across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, and stand in solidarity with our key partners who do the same. Many young people will feel deeply affected, or unsettled, by the racist actions that took place in Bristol on Saturday. Here is some guidance around reporting hate crime and staying safe, and signposting where to find further help.
- Reporting hate crime: A hate crime is any crime that is motivated by hostility or prejudice on the basis of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, age, or gender. If you see or experience a hate crime, you can report this by contacting Bristol Hate Crime and Discrimination Service (BHCDS). They can help you to understand your options, advocate for your rights with other agencies, support you with going through the legal system or making a complain if necessary, and/or link you in with other services that can support you to cope with the impact of what has happened.
- Staying safe at protests: If you’re thinking about attending a counterprotest, it’s important that you understand what your rights are, and how to stay safe. Organisations like Green and Black Cross publish lots of useful guides on understanding the rights you have if you choose to take part in protest, and how to respond if you are stopped and searched or arrested.
Other organisations providing support:
SARI provides free and confidential support to anyone who is targeted by hate for their race, faith, disability, sexual orientation, transgender identity, age, gender, or sex.
South Gloucestershire Race Equality Network seek to represent the voices of those who live, work or are educated in South Gloucestershire from ethnically diverse communities.
Race and Equality North Somerset work with local government, the VCSFE sector and other strategic partners to promote and support the rights, interests, welfare and wellbeing of racially minoritized ethnic communities in North Somerset.