Essex's first hate-crime drop-in centre has been proclaimed an "important initiative" to tackle all forms of abuse by Basildon's MP Angela Smith

Based at Parklands Centre in Gloucester Park, Basildon, the facility is the first of its kind which allows victims of racial, homophobic and anti-disability abuse support and information.

The drop-in service - which will be open on the first and third Monday of each month between 3pm and 7pm - follows on from a successful hate-crime campaign launch at Bonds nightclub earlier this year and a series of roadshows across south Essex.

The multi-agency campaign has drawn support from Essex Police, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Victim Support, South Essex Switchboard, South West Essex All Shades Support group, DIAL disability helpline, Man to Man project and Southend Primary Care Trust (PCT).

For full story see today's Evening Echo

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