MEMBERS of the Medway Action Against Racist Attacks (MAARA) have launched a new website and ‘Z’ cards. The organisation is also promoting a racial incidents reporting line.

The ‘Z’ card is a fold out information pack that promotes the many organisations on hand to help victims of hate crime.

The website address is www.maara.org.uk

Speaking at the launch, Police Chief Supt Jan Stephens said: "Medway is a diverse area and we care about all of the people who work and live here.

"We are keen to ensure that people from minority communities are aware there is a wealth of support available from both the police and partners in Medway."

Neil Davis, chief executive of Medway Council, said: "I am really pleased to support and celebrate this project and the excellent work carried out by MAARA.

"We hope it will further increase MAARA’s profile and assist in making Medway a safer please to live, work, study and visit.’

Speaking on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service, Mark Carrington, said: "One of the great strengths of MAARA is that it involves representatives of the Medway community in the decisions that affect them.

"Because of this we are able to improve the services we offer and find solutions that make a lasting difference.

"The website and the Z cards are significant steps forward in tackling racially aggravated crime and encouraging greater public confidence. They have been designed for ease of use and in response to the needs of the community."

Reg Hughes, vice chair of North Kent Magistrates, said: "We have a duty to reflect the concerns of the community and it is only right that the people who sentence offenders are aware of those concerns."

The chair of MAARA, Dai Liyanage, said: "It used to be the case that confidence in the authorities was lacking and people suffered in silence, but they don’t have to anymore."

The website address is www.maara.org.uk

MAARA can also be contacted at by email at hate.crime@kent.pnn.police.uk