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Staff from across Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) joined together at Southmead Fire Station on Thursday, 15 October in a special flag raising ceremony to mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week (10-17 October).
Area Manager Matt Osborne and Inclusion Lead Michelle Biggs gave a speech before the National Hate Crime Awareness Week flag was raised to full mast. Staff then came together and showed their solidarity in preventing all forms of discrimination and hate in supporting statements.
AF&RS’s mission is to make their communities safer, by being there when needed, identifying and reducing risks and improving the quality of life of the people they serve. They also stand alongside local authorities: Avon & Somerset Police, SWAST, local councils – and all their partnering agencies – to tackle hate crime issues.
To achieve this mission, it’s of the upmost importance that the Service understands and celebrates the wide range of culture, identities, and backgrounds that make their communities unique. By having a greater understanding of diversity within the Service area, they are better placed to make their communities safer, stronger and more inclusive.
AF&RS also strives to provide and promote safety, harmony and inclusivity where staff feel empowered to be their authentic selves and treat one another with dignity and respect. There’s no place for prejudice, discrimination and hate – and if any unwanted behaviour does occur, robust policies are in place to ensure its addressed and those affected have the support they need.
Area Manager Matt Osborne said: “It was great to see so many of our colleagues joining us today to mark their commitment to equality and diversity and stamping out hate and discrimination.
“During this event, I was proud to promote our accreditation to White Ribbon UK, the leading charity working to end violence against women and girls. It’s an important milestone for us and a clear statement of the culture we expect and uphold.”
Michelle Biggs, Inclusion Lead, added: “There’s so much fantastic work carried out across our Service area to support our diverse communities and to ensure our staff have access to the support, resources and opportunities they need to perform at their best. We all do the jobs we do because we are motivated to help others, and we stand together to stamp out all forms of prejudice, hate and discrimination.”
Additionally, Group Manager for Prevention and Protection Ben Thompson, alongside members of his Business Fire Safety and Community Safety Teams, attended a Bristol Hate Crime and Discrimination Service event in the city centre on 14 October, hosted by SARI (Stand Against Racism & Inequality) in partnership with Bristol City Council and the Bristol Impact Fund. GM Ben Thompson delivered a presentation highlighting the Service’s work around home fire safety visits, arson prevention and business fire safety, while attendees also heard from people sharing their lived experiences of hate crime and discrimination. The event reinforced the importance of strong partnerships in supporting diverse communities and working together to reduce hate crime across the region.
National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which took place this year from 10-17 October, aims to raise awareness and understanding of hate crime; action through operational response; preventing prejudice before it happens; and engaging communities in building respect, unity, and belonging. You can find out more on the National Hate Crime Awareness Week website.