Cleveland Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner are among the first community leaders in the region to sign a pledge to challenge racism in all its forms.
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey and Chief Constable Victoria Fuller have both signed up to the North East Anti-Racism Coalition’s ‘Become the Bridge’ pledge. Cleveland Police is the first force in the region to sign up.
Become the Bridge is open to businesses, public sector bodies and voluntary organisations across the North East.
Root out racism
The pledge commits organisations to look at their own systems and practices, to root out racism.
Practical actions could include developing an anti-racism action plan or strategy and reporting on progress.
The pledge creates a collaborative network where organisations can share the challenges and successes. The network allows them to find practical solutions to combatting racism. As a result, it gives participants access to expertise, support and advice
Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: “Throughout my life, I have stood up against the blight of racism in our communities and the hatred, division and fear it causes.
“Sadly, recent events have reinforced that racism continues to be a problem for people in our region. Since it was established in 2024, I have been an active supporter of the North East Anti-Racism Coalition and what it seeks to achieve.
“By signing up to this pledge, I commit to being amongst the many organisations in the region that seek to make it a place where everyone can belong and feel safe.”
Ngozi Lyn Cole, Co-founder of the North East Anti-Racism Coalition, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Cleveland Police and Cleveland Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner have joined our Become the Bridge campaign.
“Rooted in the North East, Become the Bridge calls us all to challenge racism for a fairer, stronger region.
“This will help us all to continue to be proud of the place we all call home.”
Organisations can sign up to the pledge here: https://northeastantiracism.org.uk/