Bury to join forces with other GM Councils to mark Hate Crime Awareness Week

Bury is joining forces with authorities across Greater Manchester to mark Hate Crime Awareness Week, which starts on Monday (6 Feb).

A range of events is taking place in the borough which people can attend and find out more, as well as being encouraged to report incidents.

Hate crime is 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 real or perceived disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

Activities include sessions at schools with Bury’s youth hate crime ambassadors; with young people who have been in care; exploring hate crime through sport with England Netball including faith and gender specific sessions and para-netball; and with licensed premises.

The following events are also taking place which people are encouraged to attend:

Tuesday 7 February

• 12pm to 1.15pm - Hate Crime Webinar, held in conjunction with SAFE (Security Advice for Everyone from the Community Security Trust), Bury Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Salford Council and the University of Salford. Go to https://tinyurl.com/2wm56x8h
• 5.30pm to 7.30pm - Bury Youth service LGBTQI+ session in partnership with The Proud Trust, at The Met, Bury.

Wednesday 8 February

• 6pm to 8pm – Supporting Sisters ‘Say No To Hate’ session - an opportunity to talk and hear experiences at the Polish Social Centre. To attend, email Ssistersbury@gmail.com

Thursday 9 February

• 12pm to 4pm - Bury LGBTQI+ Forum will be hosting a Greater Manchester Hate Crime Event at Radcliffe Market, featuring stalls from local community groups.

Friday 10 February

• 11am to 3pm - Community Safety officers raising awareness of what hate crime is, how to report it and the support available - at Mill Gate shopping centre.

Saturday 11 February

• 10am to 2pm - Hate Crime Awareness promotion as part of Bury Voluntary and Community Faith Alliance. Volunteer information stall in the Mill Gate centre (next to TJ Hughes).

Councillor Richard Gold, cabinet member for communities and finance, said: “No one should face hate, violence or abuse because of who they are, who they love, where they’re from, what they look like or what they believe. Any victimisation based on such prejudices is distressing and should be reported.

“Collectively we can make Greater Manchester, and our communities in Bury, a place where we look out for and respect each other – we are too great for hate.”

To report a hate crime:

• Call 999 if you or another person is in immediate danger
• Call 101 to Greater Manchester Police, or reporting anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
• Online at www.report-it.org.uk/report_a_hate_crime

Further information is at www.bury.gov.uk/hatecrime or call 016 253 5879.