A recent talk by PC Ian Ashton, whose extensive beat as Hate Crime and Community Cohesion Officer, mirrors our own, Blackpool Fylde and Wyre, and extends to Morecambe and Lancaster, proved thought provoking for members of our sight loss support group.
PC Ashton, a Lancashire Constabulary copper for 26 years, spoke of the five defined categories of hate crime – including disability/sensory impairment – and also the fact that anyone can face discrimination as a result of being perceived as ‘different’.
Members of the group discussed the challenging issues involved and reflected on how society had altered over the years in terms of what was deemed to be ‘acceptable’ in sit coms and other material and, above all, stressed the need for greater respect for all, particularly in such troubled times.
The visit was covered by the local press and regionally.
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