On Wednesday 14th October, HRH the Countess of Wessex was due to visit the offices of Stand Against Racism & Inequality to learn about our work during National Hate Crime Awareness Week and Black History Month. Unfortunately, due to coronavirus restrictions HRH could not attend in person but was able to join via Zoom. We were also joined on the day by Bristol’s High Sheriff; Dr John Manley and Bristol’s Lord Mayor; Cllr Jos Clark.
Irvin Campbell, Chair, reflecting back on the event and was incredibly proud SARI was part of this auspicious occasion.
I would like to thank all the staff involved, who have worked extremely hard to prepare for HRH the Countess of Wessex visit and I was overwhelmed by the compassion, empathy and kindness HRH shown towards K and for our services. It was a very special and poignant day.
Irvin Campbell, Chair
The Countess was introduced by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol, Peaches Golding OBE, to SARI’s Board of Trustees and Co-Directors. The Countess was shown a video which relayed the personal testimonies of past SARI service users, and spoke directly with K-Dogg, the victim of a recent racially motivated hit-and-run outside Southmead hospital.
Mrs Golding OBE also expressed her delight:
I am thrilled that HRH The Countess of Wessex was able to highlight the breadth of the sensitive and delicate work that SARI carries out, especially during National Hate Crime Awareness Week and Black History Month. While we all hope for a world where the services of SARI are not needed, the sad fact is that we rely on their case workers, Trustees and Directors when it all turns ugly. Today’s digital visit shines the Royal spotlight on the support SARI provides to those affected by prejudice and inequality.
Mrs Golding OBE
The Countess expressed her sincere sympathies with K-Dogg, and acknowledged the important work carried out by SARI on behalf of victims of hate crime. The Countess then remotely unveiled a blue plaque to commemorate the visit and conveyed her keen desire to visit SARI in the future when circumstances allowed.
Find out more about the work we do for victims of hate crime
