Partners are coming together this Hate Crime Awareness Week

10 October 2022

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and partners are coming together this October to raise awareness of hate crime via a programme of activities marking the National Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW).

Taking place from 8 to 15 October, the campaign aims to bring people together to stand in solidarity with those affected by hate crime while educating residents about the different types of hate crime, empowering communities affected by hate crime and encouraging the reporting of such incidents - whether it's just one isolated instance or repeated harassment by the same person or group of people.

WNC are running Hate Crime Awareness workshops for schools across West Northants. The workshops are targeted at years five and six students, and will help them to better understand what a hate crime is and how it can affect both the victim and the community.

The workshops include information on the different types of hate crime and how someone can be targeted. Students taking part in the workshops will be able to join in with group activities and discussions while also getting to watch a new animation video that was created as a joint project from both the North and the West councils.

Cllr David Smith, WNC's Cabinet Member for community safety and engagement, and regulatory services, said: "We are committed to tackling all forms of hate crime and will continue to uphold the message that West Northants is a welcoming place for all where hate in any form is not tolerated.

"Hate Crime Awareness Week is an opportunity for each of us to stand in solidarity with victims, raise awareness of all forms of hate crime and provide ongoing support to those who need it.

"We encourage everyone to stand up and speak out against all forms of hate crime and anyone that has seen or experienced this must report it. The police take hate crime very seriously and you can report a non-emergency to them by calling 101 or visiting a police station.

"In an emergency always call the police on 999."

People can also #SpreadLoveNotHate and show their support during this hate crime awareness week by sharing messages on social media using the hashtag #WeStandTogether.

To report a hate crime online, please visit the WNC hate crime webpage or ring Northamptonshire Police on 101 or 999 if it is a live incident.