Police chief Nick Alston has funded a new Hate Crime Ambassador for Thurrock.

A new Hate Incident Reporting Centre (HIRC) in Tilbury has also been set up since January as part of the move, along with one in Grays.

The purpose of the drop-in centres is to allow the community to be able to speak, in confidence, with indiv iduals who are trained Ambassadors about a particular incident.

Naguid Nuthoo, who is a trained Hate Crime Ambassador, was given the new Black Minority Ethnic (BME) Community Connector Role.

The position has been funded by the PCC with £15,289 given to the Thurrock Coalition.

The Thurrock Coalition is part of the ‘Stop the Hate’ initiative, supporting those people who have been victims of Hate Crime or Hate Incidents.

Local communities at the drop-in centres can report a hate incident or crime either as a victim or a witness, as an alternative to speaking directly with the police.

Nick Alston, the Essex Police Crime Commissioner said “Supporting victims of crime is crucial. I want anyone who has suffered or is continuing to suffer harm to know how to access help and support.

"The Thurrock Coalition is a great example of providing that support at the heart of our communities.“

Naguib, the BME Community Connector said “The funding has enabled people who most of the time feel ignored to be understood. It has given them a body that will advocate on their behalf to share their problem and to help to find a solution.“

Ian Evans, one of the Coalition’s directors said: “The PCC funding has paid for the new role to provide an opportunity for people who do not think they have a voice to be supported and empowered to speak up within their community.”

The Coalition is a user-led organisation made up of four different organisations that include Thurrock Diversity Network, Thurrock MIND, Thurrock Centre for Independent Living, and Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions.

The Thurrock Coalition works with people across the borough to help provide information and support to those in the community who do not feel confident enough to ask for help or advice.