Bolton is joining the fight against hate crime this week with people urged to talk about and report the devastating impacts of hate crimes as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Charities, community groups, Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Council are organising events to mark the week, which started on Monday, February 5.

Hate crimes are incidents based on someone’s race, nationality, religion, gender, sexuality, disability or lifestyle and dress.

They can be reported to the police, the council or 23 different community and voluntary organisations across Bolton. 

Bolton based charity, Response, tackles homelessness, mental health and loneliness and is holding hate crime workshops on Wednesday, February 7 and Thursday, February 8.

Krimmz, an award-winning youth club that encourages girls from diverse communities to take part in sport, is holding two events for children, teens, and adults on February 10 and 11.

Contact krimmzgirlsyouthclub@gmail.com to take part.

The Harmony Youth Project will also be carrying out education and awareness raising around hate crime.

The activities are funded by Greater Manchester via Bolton's Fund, which directs grants to Bolton communities and people.

The grants are independently assessed, awarded, and managed by Bolton CVS on behalf of the council and its partners.

Cllr Rabiya Jiva, Bolton Council Executive Member for Stronger Communities, said: “Bolton has a long tradition of communities living and working together well, but I am increasingly worried about hate crime.

“It is a blight on our communities, and we are working with the police and partners to raise awareness of the terrible impacts it has.

“I encourage people to talk about hate crime and how it affects them and their communities.

“Don’t be afraid. Talk to us and report hate crime whenever it happens. We’re listening and we take it seriously.”

Greater Manchester Police are also supporting this year’s GM Hate Crime Awareness Week, as multiple partners and agencies commit to tackling abuse and providing further support for victims.

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GMP is determined to tackle hate crime across the entirety of Greater Manchester and works closely with communities to ensure they receive the best possible service.

Chief Superintendent Steph Parker said: “Hate crime is something that can have a huge impact on victims, massively affecting their confidence and feeling of belonging and acceptance in the place they call home.

“As a police force, we are committed to tackling hate crime wherever it is reported to us and providing the best possible service to victims.

“From working with the CPS to improve prosecution rates to engaging with our vibrant communities, we will continue to work to rid the scourge of hate crime from the streets of Greater Manchester.

“If you have been a victim, please do get in touch with us – your safety is our priority, and we will do what we can to get you justice."

Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, Kate Green, said: “There is no place for any hate in Greater Manchester. We want everyone in our community to feel safe to be themselves without fear of prejudice or attack.

“Sadly, we see up and down the country horrendous acts of hate crime and we want to be greater than hate.

“Greater Manchester’s strength is its friendly people and its diverse communities.

“If people see hate crime taking place, I want them to feel empowered to report it, that way we can all tackle this despicable behaviour.”

To find out more about what GMP is doing about hate crime and how to report it, visit Hate crime | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)

To report hate crimes, a list a contact details for community groups and the police can be found here: https://www.bolton.gov.uk/community-safety-anti-social-behaviour/hate-crime

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.