What is ARCH?

Sunderland ARCH consists of a number of organisations in the city that work together to combat racism and hate.

ARCH is an innovative and nationally regarded web-based IT system designed for reporting, recording and monitoring racist incidents.

It was pioneered and developed by ARCH Newcastle.

ARCH in Sunderland allows people that live in the city (residents, students, asylum seekers and migrant workers) as well as visitors to the city to report racist incidents in various ways.

Sunderland ARCH ensures that there is a quick and efficient way of reporting racist incidents and enables organisations to work in a more coordinated way. This will help to ensure that the victim gets the most appropriate support and that effective action is taken against perpetrators. 

ARCH is not a self-reporting system. The system is designed for a member of staff from partner organisations to input a racist incident that is reported by a victim, a witness or someone on behalf of the victim. Front line staff from all the partner organisations have been trained on how to input reports to the system.

How does Sunderland ARCH work?

A victim, someone on behalf of the victim or a witness can all report a racist incident to Sunderland ARCH.

An incident can be reported by:

• calling a free number 08000 778378 or
• visiting one of the reporting centres

Once an incident is reported to Sunderland ARCH, victims of racist incidents can be offered the most appropriate support, and where possible, action against the suspect can be taken. The ARCH system is confidential and victims and witnesses can remain anonymous.

For more information about reporting racist incidents, please click here.

Sunderland ARCH

• allows partners to make referrals for support from other agencies,
• coordinate referrals through a case management system and regular operational support group meetings

Sunderland ARCH is planning to move into other areas of hate incidents such as homophobic incident reporting. It also has the potential to play a significant role in the provision of anti-discrimination training.

What are the aims of Sunderland ARCH?

Sunderland ARCH aims to:

• Increase the number of racist incidents that are reported and address the issue of under-reporting;
• Increase the support available to victims of racist harassment;
• Improve action taken against perpetrators;
• Get a more accurate picture of the extent of racism in the city
• Identify 'hotspots' more easily

As a result, it is hoped to reduce the number of racist incidents experienced in Sunderland.

If you have any questions about Sunderland ARCH please telephone 0191 561 2480 or email sunderlandarch@sunderland.gov.uk