Hate crime helpline on hand to help says council

Victims or witnesses of hate crime in Reading are being encouraged by its council to use a confidential 24-hour helpline.

Charity Stop Hate UK listens to people's experiences and gives independent support on 0800 138 1625.

Its use in Reading is funded by the Reading Community Safety Partnership and the Police and Crime Commissioner's office.

According to Thames Valley Police's data, there were 960 hate crimes in the Berkshire West area, which includes Reading, between October 2025 and September. That was a slight decrease from 988 in the year before.

Finn McGoldrick, Reading Council's lead councillor for community safety and environmental services, said: "Reading is a wonderful town full of lots of different communities who deserve to feel safe.

"Everyone should be able to live, work, and study in our town without experiencing hate," she added.

"To mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week, we are letting people know about this additional support to reassure residents that hate crime can and should be reported and support is available through the helpline."

The Berkshire East area, which includes Slough, Maidenhead and Bracknell, saw 985 hate crimes reported between October 2025 and September. That was a 0.2% increase on the year before.