My name is Becky, I live in Gloucestershire and I have a learning disability. 

I’m supported by Hft and I am the chair of their speak out group, Voices to Be Heard, which represents the views of the people supported by charity. 

On National Stand-Up To Bullying Day (February 24), I’m asking readers to report mate crime. 

Mate crime is when people make friends with someone who has a disability or who is different to them and gain their trust. 

When you trust them they may start asking you for things, like food or money or to do bad things with them but because you think they are your friend you feel you have to do what they want. 

Recent statistics show 73 per cent of people with learning disabilities and autism have been the victim of hate crime and mate crime.

No one should be put in this place.

If you know someone or a good friend who is going through this then you need to say something because the person who is being the victim of hate or mate crime might be too scared to say anything.

If mate crime is not reported it can never be stopped, either for the person or for the community at large.

We want everyone to know that this is happening so that it can be stopped.

Don’t ignore it - stop it, if you see it - report it, tell the police.

In the world today, all people want is to be treated equally, so next time you see someone who is different from you go up and say hello.

You might surprise yourself and you might have things in common, just because people are different from others doesn’t mean that you can make their life sad they might be into computers or animals or crafts or video games so just keep that in mind.

To report a hate crime ring police on 101, register for the Gloucestershire constabulary SMS text messaging system or visit the true vision website. 

Further advice can also be sought from the Hft Family Carer support service on 0808 801 0448.

BECKY 
Chairman, Hft Voices to be Heard