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Community response to current events in Israel and Gaza – 16/11/23

Please see below this week’s shared information briefing. Each organisation’s social media channels are linked below. Please follow these as trusted sources of information. 

Hertfordshire Constabulary

Over the past week we have continued to see a reduction in the number of calls made to our control room linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

No hate crime offences have been recorded in the past seven days and two non-crime anti-Semitic hate incidents have been reported. This is almost in line with the levels seen pre-October 7, 2023. There have been no reports relating to Islamophobia.

However, our proactive patrols and community engagement continues, and we remain on hand to respond to any issues or concerns as needed. If you are worried about anything, become a victim of hate crime or witness any activity which you believe to be suspicious, please get in touch. We have specialist officers on hand who can provide advice and support.

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Community Security Trust

For the period 7 October to 14 November 2023, there have been 1,283 antisemitic incidents in the UK. Out of this, 41 have been in Hertfordshire.

This is still making the community feel vulnerable. We are grateful for the partnership we have with the police and I know the community appreciate their hard work.

CST_UK | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Hertsmere Borough Council

Local Strategic Partnership
Hertsmere Together, our Local Strategic Partnership, met earlier this week. The partnership received an update on the ongoing community response to the current events in Israel and Gaza. It was agreed that all members of the partnership should also receive these updates. As such, the distribution list has now been widened to include partners from across our public, private, community and voluntary sectors.

Hertsmere Forum of Faiths
The Hertsmere Forum of Faiths also met this week. The meeting gave those in attendance an opportunity to come together to focus on their role as community and faith leaders. Councillors and officers were also in attendance and provided updates on the work on the ongoing community response to events in the Middle East.

Mental Health Services
The following services are available to residents of Hertsmere to support their mental health.    

  • The TogetherAll, which is an online anonymous mental health community monitored by professionals. It offers a range of support, courses and advice. Hertfordshire residents over 16 can register for free – just select ‘my area is registered’ and enter your postcode.
  • NHS Every Mind Matters – Get expert advice and practical tips, try the ‘How are you? quiz or create a tailored self-care plan to support your mental health and wellbeing
  • The Five Ways to Wellbeing – feel happier, more positive and able to get the most from life
  • Jami – provides mental health support to the Jewish Community
  • Herts Mind Network – provide services including peer support, group activities, counselling and a crisis helpline. Provided online, over the phone or from Number 10 on Leeming Road, Borehamwood.
  • Hertfordshire County Council have produced a mental health resource booklet providing information about services available in the community. Should anyone wish to order physical copies of this, please contact services@hertsmere.gov.uk.
  • The Church of England have pulled together a set of 13 reflections to support good mental health. www.churchofengland.org
  • Young Minds have released some specific advice aimed at young people who are worried about the conflict in the Middle East: Mental Health Advice | The Conflict in the Middle East | YoungMinds

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