Starting off Learning Disability Week on Monday 18th June, Jessica went along to an event organised by Mencap, which is raising awareness of disability hate crime.  The event also highlighted the positive progress that has been made since the launch of Mencap’s ‘Stand By Me, campaign last year; of which Derbyshire Police is one of the 34 forces, which have signed up to the campaign to promise and formally commit to supporting people with a learning disability and increase hate crime convictions. As many as 9 out of 10 people with a learning disability have been a victim of hate crime and bullying.

Jessica Lee MP said:

“I find it a sad reflection on our society that certain individuals choose to target people with learning disabilities in this way. I believe it is vital to raise the awareness of disability hate crime and support the Police to ensure it is eliminated entirely from our streets.”

Mencap chief executive Mark Goldring added:

“It is great that Jessica Lee is supporting Mencap’s campaign to end disability hate crime. We hope that she will work with Derbyshire Police to ensure that tackling disability hate crime is a top priority, and that they provide the best support possible to victims with a learning disability.”

During the week Jessica also visited the Outlook Centre on Briar Gate in Long Eaton. There she was able to meet some of the highly skilled staff who provide essential support for up to 120 people, five days a week, and see for herself the range of support offered by the centre.

Speaking about the visit Jessica Lee MP commented:

“I was thoroughly impressed with the way in which the staff here at Outlook, care for some of the most vulnerable in our society.  The Outlook centre is an amazing asset to Erewash, where those with learning disabilities can come and spend their day with friends and staff, learning valuable skills and enjoying their day, in a safe environment.”