Housing association backs campaign to stamp out hate crime

Published by Ross Macmillan for Riverside Group in Housing and also in Communities

Housing association Riverside is backing a campaign to stamp out hate crime in Liverpool in memory of a man with learning disabilities who was killed in a street attack.

Gary Skelly, 53, was killed near his home in Norris Green last September by a young man who has since been sentenced to seven years in prison. He was a self-advocate at the charity Moving on with Life and Learning (MOWLL).

MOWLL has launched a campaign Fighting Against Community Exclusion (FACE) to raise awareness about groups that feel isolated and discriminated against.

Riverside has contributed £5,000 towards a DVD which will document the personal experiences of MOWLL self-advocates. The film will place the difficult realities of some people’s lives and one person’s death in full view, creating a discussion on what is happening and why. The film will be used as a learning tool in businesses and schools to raise awareness of hate crime.

Anna Bishop, Riverside’s Lead Director on Equality and Diversity, said: “Firsthand experiences such as sharing stories can have a greater impact on people's opinions than hearing secondhand information.

“We hope the DVD will lead to better understanding and acceptance of those who feel marginalised by society.

“Gary’s death was a mindless waste of a life and if FACE helps change just one person’s views towards those with learning difficulties than it’s a fitting legacy.”

Heidi Kenworthy, Chief Executive of MOWLL, adds “We are truly grateful to Riverside for their support and encouragement to our FACE campaign. In order for us to tackle hate crime in Liverpool we must work in partnership. FACE will be launched at the BT Convention Centre on Monday 27 June 10am – 3pm. This is a free event to anyone wishing to support our fight against community exclusion. 

For more information about the campaign visit www.facefacts.org.uk.