An innovative project in Merseyside is using money seized from criminals to educate children as young as seven about the impact of hate crime. The initiative, named 'Hate Makes Me Feel', aims to equip young people with the knowledge to identify and report prejudice-based incidents.
Delivered by the community interest company Powerfull Beyond All Measure CIC, the program has already reached nearly 2,000 pupils across the region. The project is funded through the Community Cashback Fund, which reinvests assets recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) back into local initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- The 'Hate Makes Me Feel' project educates primary school children in Merseyside about hate crime.
- It is funded by the Community Cashback Fund, which uses money seized from criminal activities.
- Nearly 2,000 pupils and 50 school professionals have participated in the program so far.
- The initiative also provides training for school staff and support sessions for parents.
Funding Hate Crime Education with Criminal Assets
The 'Hate Makes Me Feel' initiative represents a direct effort to turn the proceeds of illegal activity into a positive force for community cohesion. The project is one of 22 recipients of grants from the Community Cashback Fund, a joint venture between the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner and Merseyside Police.
This fund specifically channels money recovered from criminals back into programs designed to reduce crime, prevent anti-social behaviour, and support vulnerable community members. This year's funding was particularly focused on projects that promote community integration and tackle hate crime, a decision influenced by episodes of disorder in the region last summer.
By the Numbers
- 2,000: Approximate number of pupils reached by the project.
- 50: Trained professionals, including teachers, who have received support.
- 22: Successful projects funded by this year's Community Cashback Fund.
- 7: The youngest age of children participating in the sessions.
By using these funds, the program not only educates the next generation but also demonstrates a tangible outcome from law enforcement efforts against organised crime.
A Visit to Anfield Road Primary School
To mark Hate Crime Awareness Week, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell visited Anfield Road Primary School to observe the project in action. The visit provided a first-hand look at how the interactive sessions are helping children understand complex issues in an age-appropriate manner.
The program uses a variety of methods, including storytelling and group discussions, to engage children. The goal is to make them feel comfortable recognizing hate-motivated behaviour and confident in their ability to report it safely.
“At a time when division and intolerance are being amplified across society, it’s critical that we take action to stop the spread of hate. Initiatives like ‘Hate Makes Me Feel’ are doing just that—empowering young people to understand the impact of hate crime and giving them the tools to challenge it.”
Spurrell emphasised the importance of early intervention, stating, “By reaching children early, we’re helping to build a generation that values empathy, respect and inclusion, and ultimately creating safer, stronger communities for everyone.”
A Comprehensive Approach to Community Safety
The 'Hate Makes Me Feel' project extends its reach beyond the classroom. It provides a holistic support system that includes training for school staff and outreach to parents and guardians.
Supporting Teachers and Parents
The program offers dedicated training sessions for teachers and other school professionals. This equips them with the skills and confidence needed to identify and address hate incidents within the school environment, ensuring a consistent and supportive message for the children.
Furthermore, informal sessions are held for parents. These include coffee mornings specifically tailored for those who speak English as an additional language, creating a welcoming space to discuss concerns and learn about reporting mechanisms. This multi-faceted approach aims to foster a safer environment that encompasses the school and the wider community.
The Origins of the Initiative
The project grew out of a long-standing partnership between Powerfull Beyond All Measure CIC and Merseyside Police. According to Director Danielle Azanuwha, their collaboration began four years ago to better engage with migrant communities in North Liverpool and tackle the underreporting of hate crime. After observing a spike in incidents among their service users in 2022, they developed 'Hate Makes Me Feel' as a preventative measure.
Statements from Project Partners
Leaders from Merseyside Police and the organising CIC have highlighted the importance of this collaborative work in building trust and preventing prejudice.
Detective Chief Inspector Yoseph Al-Ramadhan of Merseyside Police described education as a powerful tool for change.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools in preventing hate and promoting inclusion, and through this initiative, we aim to empower the next generation to recognise, challenge, and stand up against all forms of hatred and prejudice.”
Danielle Azanuwha, Director of Powerfull Beyond All Measure CIC, explained the program's origins and its impact. She noted that their initial work focused on breaking down barriers for individuals, particularly non-native English speakers, who felt unsafe reporting incidents.
“The response to these sessions so far has been incredible. This work is vital—not just to educate and empower—but to ensure every child and adult feels safe, supported, and part of a community that stands firmly against hate.”
The success of 'Hate Makes Me Feel' highlights a community-led strategy to proactively address intolerance. By investing seized criminal funds into early-years education, Merseyside authorities are fostering a long-term vision for a more inclusive and resilient society.