The Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, Matt Storey, announced a new safety programme on 16 March 2026 to help refugees and asylum seekers in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire. The initiative, called Safe Steps, will provide workshops and individual support to help vulnerable people understand their rights and feel confident reporting crimes to the authorities.
The two-year project is being delivered by the charity Open Door North East using a £14,868 grant from the commissioner’s Protect and Support Fund. This funding will allow the Middlesbrough-based group to teach people how to spot hate crimes and how to access local support services.
Many people moving to the region have come from places where they feared the police or found them unapproachable. Anna Lewis, the chief executive of the charity, explained that it is important for residents to know that help and protection are available in the UK.
By overcoming language barriers and previous bad experiences, the programme aims to build long-term trust between the community and local services. This work is also part of a wider regional effort to stop hate crimes and make the area safer for everyone.
