Category: News

Established in 2005 after Anthony’s racially motivated murder, the Anthony Walker Foundation challenges race hate and discrimination in its many forms by providing education, victim support and hate crime reporting.

We are an anti-racist organisation committed to achieving profound change in society.

Our vision is one of a global society where race, religion and ethnicity do not label any person or put them at risk; where racial intolerance/violence is unacceptable and cultural diversity is embraced.

Our mission is to promote racial harmony through education, sport, and the arts, and support people and communities who have experienced hate crime.

To achieve change in society we currently deliver:

• The Hate Crime Victim Support Service funded by the Ministry of Justice through the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner for Merseyside.
• An extensive education programme, locally and regionally.
• Community programmes supported by funders including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Activate
• An influential corporate and consultancy arm shaping high-level, strategic cultural change to challenge and remove structural racism.

There has never been a more important time to increase the positive reach and impact of the Foundation and so we are looking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer to do just that.

As our CEO you will be an ambassador exerting a positive influence at all levels, ensuring that the AWF is at the forefront of change in our mission to ensure that anti-racism becomes an active part of all our lives; you must be able to clearly articulate the work of the Foundation, the context within which it operates and how our work can be taken further.

Above all, you will understand and embrace the reality that this role is part of a mission, and the successful person will have more to offer than just matching a job description and a person specification.

And you must possess (a) the financial acumen to run a £0.5m and rapidly growing organisation and (b) the drive & determination to engage & inspire our Program Leads, to ensure we deliver across our four pillars of activity outlined above.

If you are attracted to this role please send an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae to our HR/People Advisor, Mark Pennifold on markpennifold@outlook.com

You will then be contacted for an initial conversation about the role, including the terms and conditions.

This is a full-time role, for which the salary will be in the region of £55k.

Job Title: Hate Crime Support Worker

Location: Anthony Walker Foundation, 151 Dale Street, Liverpool, L2 2AH

Salary: Above National Minimum Wage

Contract: Permanent, full-time (32 hours per week, with a possibility of up to 40 hours)

The Role:

We seek a dedicated Hate Crime Support Worker to join our Hate Crime Support Team to provide emotional support, advice, and advocacy to victims of race and religious hate crimes and incidents. As a Hate Crime Support Worker, you will work closely with statutory partners, community groups, and hate crime specialist agencies to help build the confidence of hate crime victims, some of whom may become isolated. In addition, you will promote the values of our organization by remaining professional and fostering a positive and inclusive working environment for all your colleagues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contact victims of race and religious hate crimes and incidents and assess their needs.
• Provide moral support and advice to victims.
• Signpost clients to other services (i.e., legal advice, housing issues, and health and psychological support).
• Explain the broader systems and processes around criminal cases, neighbour disputes, target hardening, and assist in facilitating contact with investigating officers and supporting victims throughout the investigative process.
• Collaborate with local policing teams and hate crime coordinators (at least bimonthly) to identify and resolve emerging issues and share best practices.
• Ensure risk and needs assessment is completed for each service user to identify specific needs and services, including providing emotional support and practical help, including signposting to other agencies.
• Attend community events to promote the foundation’s objectives.
• Develop a culture and systems that promote equality and diversity.

Requirements:

• Experience of working with victims is preferred.
• Excellent communication, listening, and advocacy skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• A valid driving license and access to a car for work purposes are desirable but not necessary.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

The candidate with be offered in-role training, so a willingness to learn and a positive attitude are essential.

If you are passionate about supporting victims of hate crime, please apply with your CV detailing your experience and suitability for the role – info@anthonywalkerfoundation.org.uk

As part of its ongoing commitment to being an anti-racist organisation, the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse is delighted to be formalising a partnership with the Anthony Walker Foundation today to further its ambitions. 

Mark Da Vanzo, CEO for the theatres said,   

““We are so grateful to all those who have been part of our drive for change. Collaboration is key to this and working with the Anthony Walker Foundation has been invaluable. As we aim to reflect the diversity of our communities through the work on our stages, our workforce, ensuring our buildings are as accessible as they can be and that our initiatives do not perpetuate inequality, it is vital that our staff are supported and trained. Our new formal partnership with Anthony Walker Foundation is important in delivering this and we are thankful to Gee and the team.”   

John Denny CEO of the Anthony Walker Foundation added,  

“We know that the Liverpool Everyman Theatre & Playhouse is iconic in this City, and “is committed to community-led work, consultation and collaboration” with a mission to “nurture positive social change and explore what it is to be human”

At the Anthony Walker Foundation we are overjoyed to become partners in this mission, bringing our approach to anti-racism developed as part of the legacy we have created in response to the racially motivated murder of Anthony Walker in 2005.”

Changing attitudes and established working practices does not happen overnight and this new partnership with the Anthony Walker Foundation is another step on that an-going journey, so that everyone who comes through the theatres’ doors feels welcome and safe, regardless of their background or means. You can read more about the theatres’ commitment to diversity here  

Admin Assistant

We are currently recruiting for an Admin Assistant based in Liverpool City Centre. We are looking for somebody who is able to assist with the office administration tasks to support the growth and development of the Foundation.

ABOUT THE ANTHONY WALKER FOUNDATION

The AWF is the leading anti-racism charity in the Northwest, and we have spent over 17 years developing a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to tackling Racism in our communities. We work to tackle racism, hate crime and discrimination by providing educational opportunities, victim support services and by promoting equity and inclusion for all.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Screening calls and taking detailed, accurate messages where necessary
• Weekly stationery inventories to ensure all stock is up to date
• Managing and distributing all incoming and outgoing post and couriers
• Photocopying, faxing, binding and filing all company documents
• Booking meeting rooms and organising refreshments
• Helping company employees with email correspondence
• Updating the charity database.
• Providing support to the hate crime team during busy periods
• Office cover during staff holidays
• Assisting the office manager with regular health and safety checks
• Ad-hoc duties, including assisting with events

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Admin Assistant
• National Minimum Wage
• Fixed-Term Contract
• Flexible Hours

KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Have an understanding of the Anthony Walker Foundation, who we are and what we do
• Have a general understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Confident with all Microsoft Office packages
• Polite telephone manner
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Extremely organised
• Able to prioritise a changing to-do list
• Excellent attention to detail
• Uses own initiative
• Comfortable working both individually and as part of a team
• Agree with the values of the Foundation

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this role, please email a copy of your CV and a cover letter to info@anthonywalkerfoundation.com.

In your cover letter, please detail your key attributes and what makes you suitable for the role with examples of practical experience. In addition, please describe how your experience matches the position’s primary duties.

The application deadline is Friday, 17^th March, with interviews likely to take place on the week commencing Monday, 20^th March 2023.

The Anthony Walker Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and would welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We would encourage those from Black and ethnic minority communities to apply.

AWF Mental Health Services

Proven studies show a direct correlation between a victim being targeted because of their race and religion, and the adverse effects racism has on their mental health

Thanks to the support of the OPCC and partners, the Anthony Walker Foundation is able to work with local charities and community groups to offer the following:

•Free counselling sessions 

•Free therapeutic mind and well-being sessions

•Free community-based dance and fitness sessions

For more information, please email us support@anthonywalkerfoundation.org.uk or call us on  0151 237 3974

Following on from the announcement by Chief Constable Serena Williams that a former officer, John Williams has been awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, all at the Anthony Walker Foundation want to say how proud we are to have John in the team as our Chief Operating Officer and Hate Crime Lead.

It is clear to all that John was an exemplary officer and has now brought his experience, skills, commitment, and dedication to the foundation, not to mention his humour, stories, and sheer tenacity as he works with the family, and all colleagues to create a legacy for Anthony. We are lucky to have him.

At the time of his retirement, John had attained the rank of Chief Inspector, becoming Merseyside Police first ever Black Detective Chief Inspector.

John was born in London in 1969 to Jamaican parents who had answered the call to come and help to rebuild Britain after the second World War. He and his parents emigrated back to Jamaica in 1972, due to racism.

John initially joined the AWF to lead our Hate Crime Service that we deliver on behalf of the OPCC, which he has skillfully restructured creating the time and space for him to apply his skills across the Foundation.

As john has said “I hope to use my new role-in the AWF- to work with and challenge those I have left in Merseyside Police, as well as forging a close working relationship with people from underrepresented communities. I count myself as blessed to be working alongside Gee Walker, her family, the wider board, and colleagues at the foundation.”

Dominique Walker, Chair of the AWF
John Denny, Interim CEO for the AWF

https://www.merseyside.police.uk/news/merseyside/news/2022/june/former-detective-awarded-queens-policing-medal-in-birthday-honours/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Orlo

Like all charities AWF need support from the public to help achieve our goals and support people most in need. Support can come in many forms and doesn’t have to be financial, although donations  of money are a big help. Here’s five ways you can support us in tackling racism and supporting victims of hate crime.

JUSTGIVING

Can make one-off or monthly donations to the Foundation through our JustGiving page which can be found at:

www.justgiving.com/anthonywalkerfoundation

TEXT GIVING

You can also give through our Text-To-Donate service in just a few simple steps.

To make a One-Off donation:

Text AWF2 to 70085 to donate £2 

Text AWF5 to 70085 to donate £5 

Text AWF10 to 70085 to donate £10 

To make a Monthly donation:

Text AWFMONTHLY2 to 70085 to donate £2 per month

Text AWFMONTHLY5 to 70085 to donate £5 per month

Text AWFMONTHLY10 to 70085 to donate £10 per month

Texts cost your standard network rate plus your donation amount. If you set up monthly donations, you cancel or pause donations at any time.

AMAZON SMILE

Online shopping GIANT, Amazon, have launched a new service to help charities benefit from purchases made through their site. AmazonSmile allows consumers to donate a % of money from their purchases to their selected charity when they shop through the AmazonSmile site.

To sign up to AmazonSmile: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1117769-0

SOCIAL MEDIA

It’s not all about the money! A BIG way to support us is to ensure you’re following us on social media, engaging with our posts and helping us to share our message to a wider audience. Hop on to our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to see what we’ve been up to and give us a like, comment and/or share.

Twitter – @AWF_Liverpool

Instagram – @AnthonyWalkerFoundation

Facebook – Anthony Walker Foundation

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteers are invaluable to small charities like us and they really come through and help when we’re most in need. We have a few volunteers that work with us either in our service delivery, fundraising or operations teams. If you want to volunteer for us, the best thing to do is drop us an email with your CV, a bit about yourself and how you think you might be able to help. Email: info@anthonywalkerfoundation.com

Employers and organisations can also find more information by visiting our Corporate Partnerships page

BBC One and LA Productions with the blessing of Gee Walker have produced a gripping drama about the life of Anthony Walker and the life he would have lived.

Inspired by conversations with Gee Walker, Anthony’s mother and founder of the Anthony Walker Foundation, about the boy Anthony was and the man he was to become, Anthony is written by multi-Bafta winner Jimmy McGovern (Broken, The Street, Cracker) and made by LA Productions for BBC One.

Anthony Walker will be played by Toheeb Jimoh (The Power, Ted Lasso) and Rakie Ayola (Shetland, Noughts + Crosses) will portray Gee Walker.

They will appear alongside Julia Brown (World On Fire), Bobby Schofield (Knightfall), Stephanie Hyam (Bodyguard), Shaniqua Okwok (Small Axe), Robinah Kironde (The Widow), Dominique Moore (A Confession), Phina Oruche (Taken Down), Siobhan McSweeney (Derry Girls), Ade Ajibade (Intergalactic), Wesley Bozonga (Sliced), Leo Wringer (Black Earth Rising), Lorna Gayle (Carmilla), Jay Lycurgo (I May Destroy You), Josh Bolt (Last Tango In Halifax) and James Ledsham (Levelling The Score) who all play key roles in the film.

The drama will air the same week as the 15^th anniversary of the murder of Anthony who was killed in a racially motivated attack in Huyton, Merseyside, 2005.

Gee Walker, Anthony Walker’s mother, says:

“I went to Jimmy because I couldn’t think of anyone more suited who could depict, highlight and draw attention to the hard messages of a life not lived – Anthony’s unfilled dreams, his potentials and the many lives he would have impacted on – which now will never be realised.”

Jimmy McGovern adds:

“I’d known Gee Walker for many years and every time I had needed to write about loss or grief I had gone to her and she had always been generous with her time and her profound wisdom. But one day SHE came to ME and asked me to write about her beloved Anthony. I said, “Gee, if you’re asking such a thing, I feel I have a God-given duty to do it.” And so I did it.”

Toheeb Jimoh, who plays Anthony Walker, says:

“Anthony’s story is a painfully tragic one but it’s also full of hope, joy, promise and love. Jimmy’s script captures that perfectly. I hope this film will serve as a tribute to Anthony and I feel truly honoured to have been asked to play him.”

Rakie Ayola, who plays Gee Walker, says:

“I’m so grateful we’ve been able to shine a light on Anthony Walker’s story with the blessing and generosity of his mother Gee Walker.”

Colin McKeown, executive producer for LA Productions says:

“Both Donna [Molloy] and I were privileged to have produced Anthony. It follows a rich vein of factual drama that LA Productions has been delivering for almost a decade now. It means a lot to me personally as I am from the same village as the Walker family and it is typical of Gee to draw positive conclusions from tragic events.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, says:

“When commissioning drama linked to real life, we consider carefully the individual lives at the heart of the drama but also the wider societal story it might tell. Anthony is a case in point. A unique blend of fiction and reality, steered by Jimmy McGovern’s conversations with Anthony’s mother Gee Walker, it is the story of a young man who tragically lost his life but also of a life he might have led. We are honoured to be telling it on BBC One.”

Anthony was filmed in and around Liverpool, and will air on BBC One. This is the sixth collaboration between LA Productions, Jimmy McGovern and BBC One, following award winning success with Care, Broken, Reg, Common, and ten series of BBC Daytime’s Moving On.

Anthony will air on BBC One and iPlayer, 27^th July 2020 at 8:30PM

For more information about the Anthony Walker Foundation please see our About Us page.