Welcome to the first Forum of 2018. We got off to a good start, with lots of participation and wonderful presentations. Teams from Inclusion Barnet, People's Choice, Harrow Police and the Transport Police came along to talk to us about Disability Hate Crime, Reporting Hate Crime and Mate Crime. Mate Crime is when people who should be good to you are not. They might treat you badly and make you feel bad about yourself. They might take things that belong to you, or break them. This is illegal, and you should report it.
We learned that some people are good friends. Good friends help you, support you, and take care of you.
But some people are bad friends. They commit "mate crime"by hurting you in different ways. You have the power to report it and make sure they stop doing nasty things to you.
No one is allowed to make you feel bad or cry on public transport. This is hate crime. Report it.
Tell someone. If you are on a bus or train, the transport police can help. The police here in Harrow are trained to help you. You do not have to be afraid.
You can even talk to the staff at Harrow Mencap, who will help you and support you through it all. There are plenty of friendly people, waiting to help you.
That's all folks, see you at the next Forum which will be held during Learning Disability Week.