Liverpool is launching a comprehensive series of events and workshops for National Hate Crime Awareness Week, running from October 11 to 18. The initiative, led by Liverpool City Council in partnership with Merseyside Police and numerous community organisations, aims to raise public awareness, encourage the reporting of hate-based incidents, and provide robust support for victims across the city.
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool will observe National Hate Crime Awareness Week from October 11 to 18.
- The campaign is a collaboration between the City Council, Merseyside Police, and community partners.
- Events include community outreach, youth workshops, and educational sessions in schools.
- The initiative is guided by three pledges to raise awareness, increase reporting, and support victims.
- Multiple channels are available for reporting hate crimes, including specialised support services.
A Unified Stance Against Hate Crime
This October, Liverpool is reinforcing its message that prejudice and discrimination have no place in the city. The week-long campaign is built on a foundation of collaboration between key public bodies. Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police, and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office have aligned their efforts to tackle this critical issue.
Their joint work is structured around three core pledges for the Liverpool City Region. These commitments are designed to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents.
The Three City Region Pledges
- Raise awareness and challenge hate-based behaviour: Proactively educate the public and confront acts of intolerance.
- Increase confidence to report hate crime: Make reporting processes more accessible and assure victims they will be heard.
- Provide consistent and effective support for victims: Ensure that anyone affected by hate crime receives the help they need.
Throughout the week, teams will be active in communities across Liverpool. They will be distributing information, engaging with residents about their concerns, and promoting the central message that no one should suffer abuse because of their identity.
A Week of Community Engagement and Education
A diverse schedule of events has been planned to reach different segments of the community, from young people in schools to residents in local neighbourhoods. These activities are designed to be both informative and supportive, creating spaces for dialogue and learning.
Community Voices and Support in Anfield
A significant event will take place on Friday, October 17, at St John Chrysostom Community Church in Anfield. Hosted by Powerful Beyond Measure CIC, this gathering will bring together several key support organisations. Representatives from Merseyside Police, the Anthony Walker Foundation, Daisy Inclusive UK, and Sahir House will be present.
The event is designed to give a platform to those with direct experience of hate crime, featuring personal stories from victims. This powerful approach helps to humanise the issue and highlight the real-world impact of prejudice. Attendees will also receive practical information on how to report incidents and access the specialised support services available.
Engaging Youth Through Sport
Everton in the Community will leverage its popular Premier League Kicks programme to connect with young people. Throughout the week, the organisation will hold dedicated workshops focused on hate crime awareness.
These sessions aim to equip young participants with the knowledge to recognise hate-based behaviour and the confidence to speak out against it, whether they witness it or experience it themselves. Using sport as a medium helps to create a relatable and engaging environment for these important conversations.
Did You Know? Hate crime is defined as any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity.
Educating the Next Generation
Efforts to build a more inclusive society start with early education. Cobalt Housing will be delivering Hate Crime Awareness sessions to Year 6 pupils in Norris Green and Fazakerley. These workshops are tailored for primary school children, focusing on core values of respect and inclusion.
By introducing these concepts at a young age, the program aims to foster a generation of citizens who understand and value diversity, helping to prevent prejudice from taking root.
Online Workshops to Address Extremism
Recognising the threat of online radicalisation, the Liverpool City Council PREVENT Team has organised two online sessions focusing on the Extreme Right Wing. These workshops will be run by Small Steps on Tuesday, October 14, at 10 am. The sessions are designed to raise awareness of extremist ideologies and the dangers they pose. Registration is available online for those interested in attending.
Visible Presence in the City Centre
To ensure the campaign message reaches a wide audience, Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Police will conduct a joint walkabout in known hotspot areas within the city centre. They will be supported by a mobile police station and engagement teams who will be on hand to speak with the public and distribute information on reporting mechanisms.
Housing associations, including Your Housing Group and Onward Homes, are also actively participating. They will be raising awareness among their tenants and staff, extending the campaign's reach into residential communities.
How to Report a Hate Crime and Find Support
A key goal of the awareness week is to empower victims and witnesses to report incidents. Organisers stress that reporting is crucial for holding perpetrators accountable and understanding the scale of the problem. Several confidential and specialised services are available.
"Hate crime damages lives and communities. By standing together and speaking out, we can help make Liverpool a city where everyone feels safe and valued."
If you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime, you can get support through the following channels:
- Merseyside Police: Call 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if there is an immediate danger. Reports can also be made online through the Merseyside Police website.
- Stop Hate UK: A national charity providing independent support. Call their 24-hour helpline at 0800 138 1625 or visit stophateuk.org.
- Anthony Walker Foundation: Offers support for victims of racial or religiously motivated hate crimes. Contact them at 0151 237 3974.
- Daisy Inclusive UK: Provides specialised support for victims of disability hate crime. Their number is 0151 261 0309.
- Citizens Advice Liverpool: Delivers a dedicated service for victims of LGBTQ+ hate crime. Reach them at 0151 522 1400 ext 5006.
The collective effort during this week underscores Liverpool's commitment to being a city that actively challenges hatred and stands in solidarity with all its communities.