Mid Sussex District Council supports Hate Crime Awareness Week
- 09/10/2026
Mid Sussex District Council is supporting National Hate Crime Awareness Week by helping residents understand how to recognise hate-related behaviour, where to report it, and what support is available. The week aims to raise awareness of the impact hate can have on individuals and communities, while encouraging people to report incidents and seek support.
Most people in Mid Sussex will never experience a hate crime or hate incident. However, it is important that everyone knows how to recognise hate-related behaviour and what to do if they witness or experience it.
From 10th to 17th October the Council will share information and advice to help residents and businesses understand more about the impact of hate crimes, and what can be done to tackle them.
Meet the Community Safety Team
Three stalls will be held during the week where residents can learn more about hate crimes and hate incidents, find out how to report concerns, understand the support available, and ask questions about anti-social behaviour more generally.
Subject to operational commitments, representatives from Sussex Police may also be present at the East Grinstead and Burgess Hill events.
Event details:
• Monday 12 October at East Grinstead Library, 2pm to 4pm
• Thursday 15 October at Burgess Hill Market Place/Help Point, 11am to 1pm
• Thursday 15 October at The Orchards Shopping Centre, Haywards Heath, 11am to 1pm
Hate crimes vs incidents
Hate crimes and hate incidents are acts motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person because of one of the following characteristics:
• Disability
• Race
• Religion
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
Hate crimes are criminal offences. This includes:
• Assault
• Harassment
• Criminal damage
Hate incidents which do not meet the threshold of a criminal offence could be:
• Verbal abuse
• Threats
• Taunts
• Leaflets
• Graffiti
See it. Report it.
If you have experienced or witnessed a suspected hate crime, report it to Sussex Police online or by calling 101. In an emergency, call 999. You do not need to be certain that a crime has occurred before seeking advice.
If you would prefer independent support, or would like help with reporting, contact Victim Support’s Hate Incident Support Service.
If you have experienced or witnessed a suspected hate incident, reports can be made using the online reporting form via West Sussex County Council's website.
Concerns about wider community issues, rather than individual incidents can be reported using the Community Tension Reporting Form via West Sussex County Council's website.
Anyone can make a report, whether they are a victim, friend, family member, carer, neighbour, or member of the public. Reports can be made anonymously, or on behalf of someone else.
The Impact of Reporting
Mid Sussex District Council reminds residents that every report makes a difference. By being vigilant and taking positive action, you can help reduce these behaviours in our communities.
Information from reports helps identify emerging issues, understand what is happening locally, direct people to appropriate support, and enable a response where needed.
Cllr Anne-Marie Cooke, Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications at Mid Sussex District Council, said: "We're proud to support Hate Crime Awareness Week. By reporting concerns and looking out for each other, residents help build a clearer picture of what is happening in our communities, enabling agencies and support services to take action, and helping to keep Mid Sussex a safe and welcoming place for everyone."
Additional Information
Residents can find additional information on the West Sussex County Council website: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/report-problems-in-your-area/report-a-hate-incident/#report-an-incident
Victim Support's Hate Incident Support Service
Contact the Hate Incident Support Service (HISS) at 0808 168 9274, email sussexhateincidentreport@victimsupport.org.uk, or use the online reporting form at: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/report-problems-in-your-area/report-a-hate-incident/#report-an-incident
ENDS