Community response to current events in Israel and Gaza – 2/11/23
| 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 seen a reduction in calls to police, but we remain on hand to respond to any issues or concerns as needed. No hate crime offences have been recorded, but three non-crime hate incidents have occurred in the past seven days and support has been provided by specialist officers from the constabulary. Six reports have been received regarding concerns from local communities in relation to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Officers were assigned to provide reassurance. Our proactive patrols and community engagement continue. If you are worried about anything or witness activity which you believe to be suspicious, please get in touch. X/Twitter: @HertsPolice Facebook @Herts Police Community Security Trust As of Tuesday 31 October, CST recorded 893 antisemitic incidents nationally since 7 October. To put that into context, during the first six months of this year, there were a total of 803 incidents. Locally, there have been 23 in Hertfordshire since 7 October. The community is still feeling vulnerable, and we thank the police for their operational support, including reassurance patrols. We also thank the police for their assistance in policing the various vigils and we recognise the complexities of these operations. CST_UK | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree Hertsmere Borough Council Housing Support The Government has announced a legislative change to support British citizens and those eligible for support fleeing the violence in Israel, or the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights (referred to as the Occupied Palestinian Territories or OPT) or Lebanon. The changes will ensure that UK nationals fleeing from Israel, the OPT and Lebanon can access benefits, social housing and homelessness assistance even if they are not habitually resident in the UK. For further information on eligibility please see the government website here. Mental Health Services The following services are available to residents of Hertsmere to support their mental health. The TogetherAll, an online anonymous mental health community monitored by professionals, 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. X/Twitter: HertsmereBC ; Facebook: Hertsmere ; Instagram: HertsmereBC ; LinkedIn HertsmereBC  |