Community response to current events in Israel and Gaza – 30/11/23

Please see below this week’s shared information briefing. The next bulletin will be issued on 14 December. Each organisation’s social media channels are linked below. Please follow these as trusted sources of information. 

Hertfordshire Constabulary

Over the past seven days, zero hate crimes or incidents have been recorded across Hertsmere in relation to the conflict in the Middle East.

We continue to monitor the situation and officers remain on hand to respond to any issues or concerns as needed. As always, 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 who can provide support and advice.

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Community Security Trust

For the period 7 October 2023 to 27 November 2023, there have been 1,675 antisemitic incidents in the UK. Out of this, 56 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

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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Events and training in the borough

#BRINGTHEMHOME Vigil – Friday 8 December

All faith and community leaders, along with their communities, are invited to join the #BRINGTHEMHOME vigil taking place on Friday 8 December from 9.30 to 9.45am at Keystone Passage, Borehamwood Shopping Park.  The vigil is to help spread awareness and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages.  Attendees will be joined by Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, KBE and Oliver Dowden CBE MP and are encouraged to bring shoes or trainers to tie with balloons – balloons will be provided. For more information contact Josh Moont, Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue Chair.

Bring them home vigil poster

Human Rights Day Celebration – Sunday 10 December

St Michaels and All Angels Church is hosting community thanksgiving service for the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Paris, and December 10th 1948. Further details are in the poster below.

A Service of Thanksgiving for Human Rights poster

Faith Security Training

The Home Office has launched the Faith Security Training project, a new security awareness training offer for faith communities. This scheme has been developed in consultation with other government departments and experts from security and policing partners, and it will be a free learning resource for faith communities, with the aim of raising awareness of security risks and how to respond to them.

The Home Office is piloting face-to-face delivery sessions, and is encouraging members of faith communities, particularly people in positions of leadership or responsibility for security at places of worship, to attend and provide feedback on the content and delivery.

The Faith Security Training course is designed to equip participants with essential skills to enhance the security and safety in their places of worship. Participating in the pilot will give participants the chance to contribute their expertise and materially shape the project, ensuring it is as effective as it can be at helping keep communities safe when the project is rolled out more widely.

People interested in attending one of the pilot sessions will need to complete the expression of interest form here. If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone directly, please contact 03301 75 69 62 or email FaithSecurityBooking@cdsds.uk