Council Supports Campaign to Boot Out Racism
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is supporting an anti-racist campaign by educational charity Show Racism the Red Card which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The charity uses the high profile status of football and its players to raise awareness of hate crime and delivers anti-racism workshops to young people.
The Council will be marking Wear Red Day this Friday (22 October) by lighting its Town Hall in a red light and will be supporting fundraising efforts by asking staff and elected members to wear red.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Tracey Dixon, said: "We have a long-established commitment to Show Racism the Card and the essential work it delivers to drive prejudice and discrimination from our communities.
"South Tyneside has a long tradition of welcoming people from across the world and is often cited as an example of successful multi-culturalism in action.
"Our cultural diversity makes the area the special place we all know and love but is it is important that we all work together and call out racism wherever we see it. This is vital if we are to continue to deliver on our priority of supporting families and our vulnerable communities."
The Council works with Northumbria Police and other organisations to stamp out all forms of hate crime.
Any racist graffiti is also removed promptly within 24 hours of reporting, free of charge, by South Tyneside Homes.
Sue Schofield, Education Team manager at the charity, said: "Show Racism the Red Card is absolutely delighted to continue the partnership with Â鶹ÊÓƵ. The Council has always been forward thinking and committed to developing an anti-racism stance across the council and its communities.
"The funding enables SRtRC to deliver workshops free of charge to any school based in the area. Please get in touch at admin@theredcard.org if you would like a delivery in your school.
"Wear Red Day is our annual fundraising event and Â鶹ÊÓƵ has always supported this event as a proud anti-racist organisation."
Residents can find out more about Show Racism the Red Card when the charity's Chief Executive, Ged Grebby, and former footballer Richard Offiong will meet with Unison representatives outside South Shields Town Hall on Friday (22 October) between 11.30am and 2pm.