Ceredigion County Council has received a Trustmark certificate for its commitment to tackling hate crime.

The accolade, presented by Victim Support at a council meeting on September 19, recognises the council's dedication to the Hate Crime Charter.

The charter aims to support victims, raise awareness of hate crime, and improve reporting methods across Wales.

Councillor Catrin M S Davies, who chairs the council’s equality working group, said: "Hate Crime has increased over the years.

"The aim is that no one in Ceredigion is a victim of bigotry or hate crime and that everyone can live their life without fear and without harassment regardless of their race, background or sexual orientation."

The council raises awareness in various ways, including supporting the youth service to get messages into schools, providing a range of training for employees, organisations, and the public, and ensuring social housing providers include hate crime in their anti-social behaviour policies.

They also place posters and leaflets in different languages at Ceredigion Museum and council-owned leisure centres and libraries.

Tammy Foley from Victim Support said: "Congratulations on being awarded the Trustmark.

"The Trustmark is a symbol of Ceredigion County Council’s commitment to the Hate Crime Charter and victims of Hate Crime, and it demonstrates that they have delivered, or are delivering, on their bespoke actions to enact the Charter.

"We’re thrilled to see you reach Trustmark status and look forward to working with you further over the next 12 months."

For more information about the charter, visit the Victim Support website.