Former Wolves goalie pledges to stop hate in Wolverhampton

Published by Christine Howles for Wolverhampton Homes in Housing and also in Communities

Matt Murray, the former Wolves goalie has joined hundreds of Wolverhampton residents in pledging to stop hate in Wolverhampton as part of a campaign organised by Wolverhampton Homes.

Matt called into the Heath Town Fun Day on Friday (27 July), organised by the Heath Town Tenants and Residents Association to raise awareness of hate crime and to raise money for summer activities for children.

Hate crime is abuse linked to disability, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity or gender identity. It can include physical assault or even murder, but can also include verbal attacks, graffiti or vandalism.

This year, Wolverhampton Homes is campaigning to raise awareness of hate crime in the city, following feedback from tenants who said more needed to be done.

Matt Murray, an ambassador for the Wolves Community Trust, said: "I know how important the issue of hate crime is, and how important it is to raise awareness in a community such as Heath Town where there are so many different nationalities.

“I’d urge everyone in Wolverhampton to back this campaign and show that we don’t stand for hateful behaviour."

Wolverhampton Homes are now encouraging more people to sign up to an online pledge to stop hate in Wolverhampton at www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk and report any hate crime they experience or witness.

Gloria Blair-Riley, chair of the Heath Town Tenants and Residents Association said: “We were so pleased that Matt was able to come along and support our event.

"Heath Town has a great community spirit and the people of Wolverhampton as a whole are respectful. However there are the odd one or two individuals who make people’s lives a misery because they do not respect people’s differences.

“The Stop Hate campaign aims to make sure the victims of hate crimes know that there is support for them so they shouldn’t suffer in silence.”