Safer Cornwall’s No Hate Partnership aims to facilitate a collaborative, multi-agency approach to strengthen Cornwall’s response to hate crime. The Partnership includes representatives from Cornwall Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, the University of Exeter in Cornwall, NHS, further education partners and third party support and report organisations from the voluntary sector. It is chaired by Devon and Cornwall Police.
In the context of increasing incidents of hate and hostility nationwide, the No Hate Partnership had an all-day conference event which brought together experts, organisations and grassroots groups from across Cornwall to:
How Cornwall can continue to stand collectively together against hate crime was the theme at the Say No To Hate conference that took place on Wednesday 05th November.
Over 100 delegates came together for a full day of presentations, workshops and panel discussions.
The day was organised by Safer Cornwall’s No Hate Partnership and supported by their members, including the police, Cornwall Council and University of Exeter and a wide range of third-sector organisations.
The event brought together community leaders, grassroots groups, and public sector partners to reaffirm a collective commitment to building safer, more inclusive communities across the Duchy.
artist Keith Sparrow captured the event’s key moments and messages through live cartoon illustrations.
Presentations and debate on the day featured Dr Narzanin Massoumi (University of Exeter), Dr Paul Kleiman (Ciel Associates, Kehillat Kernow), and Matthew Kenworthy Gomes (CEO of Cornwall Pride). Workshops focused on online hate and bystander intervention were also delivered by Zuzanna Michajluk (disAbility Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly) and Lewis Nurton (University of Exeter), Delegates made pledges to demonstrate their commitment to community action.
Chair of the No Hate Partnership, Sophie Curtis, who is the Partnership and Child Centred Policing Inspector for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said: “Hate crime affects individuals, communities, and services across the country—and Cornwall is no exception. Although hate crime happens here, it often goes unseen, with many incidents never reported to the police.
Today we heard from an exceptional line-up of speakers who shared powerful lived experiences and perspectives. Through workshops, pledges, and meaningful conversations, we explored how we can continue to stand together—united against hate—to build a safer, more inclusive Cornwall for all.”
Dr Paul Kleiman (Ciel Associates, Kehillat Kernow) said: “How do we find ways to not necessarily reconcile our differences, they may well be irreconcilable, but to at least recognize, that we have far more in common than that divides us.”
Matthew Kenworthy Gomes (CEO of Cornwall Pride) said: “When we think of Say No to Hate, it’s about understanding that we need to do better for our young people, those growing up in the most beautiful place in the country, which is our home, Cornwall.”
Safer Cornwall’s Strategic Intelligence Manager, Erika Sorensen, said: “Tackling hate crime is a priority for Safer Cornwall. It has a huge impact on communities with the emotional impact on victims found to be three times higher than other types of crime. Only 44% of crimes are estimated to be reported to the police.”
