AN advice support charity is playing its part in National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2017 by announcing the launch of a new drop-in service.

The purpose of the awareness week is to tackle hate crime, raise awareness, and encourage reporting.

The week, which runs until October 21 across the UK, will highlight the issues and the impact they have on people’s lives.

To coincide with this, Citizens Advice Darlington is launching a monthly drop-in service for the LGBT (lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender) community.

Neeraj Sharma, Citizens Advice Darlington chief executive, said: “As we mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week by delivering the message that we should have hope, and not fear our differences, we will be supporting all moves to help counter intolerance, hate and bigotry.”

The monthly LGBT drop-in, held in the bureau’s Horsemarket offices, is filling the void in services left by the closure of a volunteer-run drop-in for the LGBT community in Priestgate, Darlington, which was set up following the closure of Gay Advice Darlington and Durham – a victim of Darlington Borough Council budget cuts.

The drop-in will initially be overseen by Bob Miller, a volunteer adviser for nine years for Citizens Advice Darlington. There will also be a volunteer Gateway adviser on hand.

Mr Miller, 66, from Darlington, said: “It’s a chance for people to widen their circle of friends, chat over a coffee or tea, and for those who might feel shy or uncomfortable about their situation. There’s no agenda, so how the drop-in develops will be up to the people using the service. There isn’t anything in Darlington like this.

“Some people in various communities in Darlington will feel isolated, but being gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender should not make people unequal, which is why the drop-in service and the Hate Crime reporting service are essential.”

The first drop in for the LGBT community is on Wednesday, November 22, from 5pm until 7pm.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week works to challenge disability, race, sexual orientation, religious, transgender and gender hate crimes. Incidents of Hate Crime can be reported by calling 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, and through Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau, which was established as a Hate Crime reporting centre 18 months ago.

Mr Sharma said: “We support individuals to understand their rights and challenge discrimination whether that is in the street, at work or through purchasing goods and services. Left unchecked and unchallenged there is always the risk that behaviour and actions may worsen in the future.

“No matter how big or small you see the issue we are here to provide you with information support and guidance so that you can make an informed decision.”

Citizens Advice Darlington is on 01325 256999.