Local News

Today sees the start of Hate Crime Awareness Week and it comes with the backing of Cleveland Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger, who has funded new roles within the force to help those subjected to the crime;

The MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Simon Clarke says he's delighted that a Loftus community centre has received a major donation from a North East based social mobility foundation, that will enable it to continue providing training and support to people in Redcar and Cleveland - as well as retain the vital services of a credit union;

...and jobseekers in Redcar and Cleveland are now able to apply for jobs further afield, without the worry of travel costs.

Today sees the start of Hate Crime Awareness Week and it comes with the backing of Cleveland Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger, who has funded new roles within the force to help those subjected to the crime.

The term 'hate crime' refers to any offence against a person which is perceived to be motivated by a person's hostility or prejudice against certain characteristics - including race, religion, disability, sexual orientation and transgender identity.

The new roles include school liaison officers to educate children about hate crime, and early intervention officers to disrupt the behaviour of young people who could become future offenders.

Two dedicated hate crime investigators have also been recruited over the last 12 months and police say they've achieved more than 150 charges in relation to hate crime across Cleveland.

A number of events are being held across Cleveland throughout the week where you can find out more. One of them is next Wednesday from 9am to 12 Noon at the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Simon Clarke says he's delighted that a Loftus community centre has received a major donation from a North East based social mobility foundation, that will enable it to continue providing training and support to people in Redcar and Cleveland - as well as retain the vital services of a credit union.

The Old Co-Op Building in Loftus acts as a community hub and social meeting place for all members of the community, offering welfare rights, job search help, Adult classes and a Citizens Advice Drop-in. It's also home to the South Bank Savings and Credit Union, which provides advice to local people on financial issues.

£5,000 has been donated from the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, set up last year by finance and tech entrepreneur David Harrison, to provide advice and financial support to charities that are helping people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, to learn new skills.

Anyone in the area looking to enhance their volunteering skills and experience is advised to get in touch.

Jobseekers in Redcar and Cleveland are now able to apply for jobs further afield, without the worry of travel costs.

Redcar & Cleveland Council has partnered with rail company Northern on a six-month trial, to provide jobseekers with free train travel to attend job interviews in the region.

It's available to all those in Redcar and Cleveland who apply in advance via the Council. They'll receive a pass permitting one return journey on Northern Rail services between their home station and interview location.