You deserve to feel safe, supported and proud of where you live.
That's why this ASB Awareness Week, we're shining a light on the support available through our Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) service and the work our Neighbourhood Team and ASB Specialist do every day to help keep communities safe.
Over the last 12 months, we've supported 310 customers with ASB concerns. While many people think of ASB as things like noise nuisance or neighbour disputes, our team also supports customers experiencing hate-related incidents and hate crime.
We know that when something is affecting your peace of mind at home, it can have a real impact on your day-to-day life. Home is more than just four walls. It's about feeling comfortable, secure and happy in your community too.
Unfortunately, anti-social behaviour isn't always about noise or neighbour disputes. Sometimes it can involve people being targeted because of who they are.
If you've experienced or witnessed behaviour aimed at someone because of their race, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age, we'd encourage you to tell us about it.
We know it can be difficult to come forward, but nobody should feel unsafe, intimidated or unwelcome in their own home or community. We'll listen, take your concerns seriously and help you access the support available. If a crime has been committed or you're in immediate danger, please contact the police straight away.
Throughout ASB Awareness Week, we'll be sharing helpful advice, information and real-life examples across our social media channels and in Be Mag to help you better understand what ASB and hate crime can look like, know what support is available and feel confident reporting concerns.
As part of the week, we'd also like to invite you to meet the team at our ASB Drop-In Session.
Whether you'd like to report an issue, ask a question, find out more about how we deal with ASB and hate-related incidents, or simply meet the people behind the service, we'll be on hand to listen, offer advice and explain the support available.
Join us on Thursday 2 July between 10am and 4pm at Staffs Housing Head Office, 308 London Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 5AB.
There's no need to book an appointment. Simply drop in and have a chat with us.
Our ASB Specialist, Nic Recine, said: "Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and community. We know that anti-social behaviour and hate-related incidents can have a huge impact on your wellbeing and quality of life, which is why we're committed to listening, understanding what's happening and working with you to find the right solution.
Every situation is different. Sometimes we need to take swift action to protect people, while other situations require us to work with support services to address the causes behind the behaviour. Whatever the circumstances, our goal is always to help you feel safe and supported in your home and neighbourhood."
That's an approach we put into practice every day.
If you're experiencing ASB, have witnessed a hate incident, or feel unsafe in your community, please don't suffer in silence. We're here to listen, support you and help find the right way forward. Find out more, report concerns or get in touch at www.staffshousing.org.uk/asb or call 01782 744533.
