Help and advice for anyone affected by the recent disorder
Date published:
How to report hate crime
Hate crime is a crime against a person because of their race, religious belief, sexual orientation, political opinion, gender identity or disability.
If you’re a victim or witness to a hate crime of any type or feel threatened, report it to the police:
- call 999 in an emergency
- contact your local police on 101
- call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
- report online
The police can get interpreters 24 hours a day for non-English speakers.
If your home has been attacked
If you or your home has been threatened or attacked, there is a range of help and support available.
Anyone affected by violence and feeling unsafe in their home are advised to contact the Housing Executive for support. Help is available as follows:
- homelessness helpline: 03448 920 908
- general enquiries:
- phone: 03448 920 900
- email: information@nihe.gov.uk
- repairs: 03448 920 901
These services are available out-of-hours on the same phone numbers.
You may be eligible for help from the Hate Incident Practical Action Scheme. There is information at this link:
General housing and homelessness advice is also available on the NI Housing Executive website.
Protecting yourself and your home
There is advice from the Police Service of Northern Ireland on protecting yourself and your home at these links:
Benefits and financial support
Make The Call
The Make the Call service helps people access all the benefits, supports and services they are entitled to. You can either:
- phone 0800 232 1271
or
- ask for a call back by texting ADVICE to 079 8440 5248
Find out more at this link:
Finance Support Service
The Finance Support Service provides advice and support for those experiencing a financial crisis for whatever reason.
- phone: 0800 587 2750
- textphone: 0800 587 2751
Find out more at this link:
Discretionary Support
This support can help for short-term living expenses or household items.
If you're in an extreme or exceptional situation or you're in a crisis, you can apply for help from Discretionary Support.
Depending on your personal circumstances, you could be offered either an interest-free loan or a grant that you would not have to pay back.
Find out more about Discretionary Support and apply online:
Supports and advice
More advice on support and advice can be found at this link:
Support for victims of crime
If you have been a victim of crime or abuse in Northern Ireland there is information available, including about organisations and groups that can give you free advice and support, at these links:
- Help for victims of crime
- Support services for victims
- Coming forward as a victim
- Coming forward as a witness
- Giving a statement to the police
Public transport
You can get the latest bus and train updates at the following links:
You can also check Translink’s social media accounts for public transport updates.
Roads information
Information on any traffic disruption or road closures is available from TrafficwatchNI at the following links:
Schools and exams
All timetabled public exams will continue to take place as planned.
Students are advised to:
- attend their examination centres as scheduled
and
- allow extra time for travel where necessary
If students have questions about their exams, they should speak to their school or college.
Schools should try to stay open all day, particularly where pupils have a limited commute. Some schools may have to take individual decisions based on PSNI advice or local circumstances.