WIGAN Borough has launched a 24-hour helpline to support those affected by hate crime in partnership with Stop Hate UK.

The service has been funded by Wigan Council and is open to anyone who may be a victim of or has witnessed a hate crime but do not know where to go for advice and support.

Stop Hate UK is a national charity that provides independent and confidential support to people who are affected by all forms of Hate Crime.

A hate crime is where the victim or witness believes that the action of the offender is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person’s identity.

This could be due to disability, gender identity, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, faith, belief or sexual orientation.

Chief superintendent Shaun Donnellan, co-chair of the council's Building Stronger Communities Partnership, said: “The people in this borough embrace diversity in all its forms and cases of hate crime are thankfully rare.

“However by joining up with Stop Hate UK we want to make sure that any residents who are affected by hate crime know there is help out there for them beyond traditional organisations.

“This new phone line will give people the chance to tap into support and get information about what their options are for them after experiencing hate crime.”

Rose Simkins, chief executive of Stop Hate UK, said: “All forms of hate crime are significantly under-reported.

Residents can contact the Stop Hate Line anonymously.

The charity can also share information with the police and council, with consent, to ensure that hate crime victims and witnesses can access the support they need.

The Stop Hate Line, is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year on 0800 1381625.

The helpline is also available by text message on 07717 989025 and by email at talk@stophateuk.org.

People with hearing impairments can report via interactive BSL link on stophateuk.org.