Lived Experience Resource
Quarterly Blog Update
Edition 1 – April to July 2025
Welcome to Our First Quarterly Update
Now in our third year of supporting communities across Bedfordshire, we’re excited to launch the first of four quarterly updates as part of our extended work funded by Luton Borough Councils Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government fund in April 2025.
Over the past two years, we’ve worked at the heart of local neighbourhoods to promote understanding, challenge hate, and create safer, more connected communities. With this new phase of funding, we’re building on that foundation—and this blog will keep you up to date every step of the way.
Whether you’ve connected with us before or are just discovering the service, this update gives you a front-row seat to the work we’re doing to tackle hate crime, build bridges, and inspire real change.
A Whirlwind Start to the Year
The last three months have been packed with momentum, partnerships, and powerful community moments. We’ve been out across Luton and Bedfordshire, reigniting conversations and rebuilding trust. One major milestone has been the revamp of our bi-monthly Cohesion Meetings.
Working alongside Luton Borough Council, we’ve updated the Terms of Reference and carefully selected local representatives to ensure that the right voices are in the room. With our next meeting just around the corner, we’re ready to relaunch this vital space for dialogue, action, and impact.
Latest National Hate Crime Statistics
The latest Home Office figures reveal that 98,799 hate crimes were recorded across England and Wales in the past year. This includes:
- 🧑🏽🤝🧑🏼 101,906 race hate crimes
- 🕌 10,484 religious hate crimes
- 🏳️🌈 22,839 based on sexual orientation
- ♿ 11,719 related to disability
- ⚧️ 4,780 targeting transgender individuals
These numbers highlight the ongoing need for awareness, support, and education—particularly around racism, ableism, and transphobia. At Bedfordshire CommUNITY Mediation Service, these statistics reinforce our mission to provide safe spaces, promote understanding, and encourage communities to stand against hate.
On the Ground and Online
We’ve attended seven awareness events and joined 18 local meetings this quarter—each one an opportunity to connect directly with the public, raise awareness of hate crime, and promote the support available.
Hate Crime Awareness Cards
Our new Hate Crime Awareness Cards and informational
leaflets have been making their way across schools, libraries, GP surgeries, and community centres—sparking conversations and expanding our
reach.
New Website & Lived Experience Resource
One of our most exciting developments has been the launch of our updated website. It’s now a central hub of accessible, easy-to-navigate support, offering guidance for those affected by hate crime and useful tools for allies and organisations.
⭐ A standout new feature is our Lived Experience Hate Crime Awareness Resource, which includes real stories and reflections from those who’ve experienced hate firsthand. It’s designed to deepen understanding, break down stigma, and inspire compassion and change.
👉 Watch now: Lived Experience Video
🔗 Or visit our Case Studies & Podcast page
Community Voices: What People Are Saying
Coming Soon: What's Next?
Looking ahead, we’re gearing up to:
- Relaunch our Cohesion Meetings
- Release the first issue of our printed newsletter
- Expand our social media awareness campaigns
- Continue attending community events to reach those most affected
Stay Connected
🌐 Visit: communitymediationservice.com
📧 Contact us: nchristophi@maryseacoleha.com
