'I want to be safe' Kids star in video for Hate Crime Awareness Week

The new video features local children

Local children are urging people to stand together against hate crime and build a 'stronger and kinder' Greater Manchester.

Launched as part of Greater Manchester’s Hate Crime Awareness Week, pupils star in an emotive video calling for a kinder world without hate. The video is being shared on social media as part of a week of activity to encourage people to speak out and take action to eradicate hatred and prejudice.

Hate crimes are acts of violence or hostility directed at people because of who they are or who someone thinks they are and can take many different forms.

Local authorities across Greater Manchester are hosting events during the week, including various virtual sessions and workshops, raising awareness of hate crime and exploring how to tackle it.

Speaking ahead of a virtual launch event which will be attended by partners and those who work in hate crime, Deputy Mayor of Policing and Crime Bev Hughes said: “The events of the last couple of years have seen us all living under restrictions and spending more time at home. This doesn’t mean hate crimes have stopped, instead we’ve seen hate speech move to online platforms, including social media. Whether online or offline, hate crime has a devastating impact on victims and there is no place for it in Greater Manchester.

“We all have a right to live without fear, hostility and intimidation. If you have been a victim of hate crime, help and support is available. Throughout Hate Crime Awareness Week we will be sharing how you can access support and report hate crime. We will continue to build on the partnership work we do with districts, with the aim of eradicating hate crime."

Chief Superintendent Rick Jackson, Greater Manchester Police’s tactical lead on hate crime, said: “Standing together alongside residents of Greater Manchester, local authorities and our partners such as GMCA, gives us all the best chance of eradicating hate crime, which damages lives and communities, and has no place in modern society.

“The diversity across Greater Manchester is what makes it such a vibrant place to be, and we want everyone – regardless of race, faith, disability or sexual orientation to feel safe and welcome.

“I would like to encourage anyone who is a victim of hate crime to come forward and report it, not only so that they can receive the support they need, but so that those responsible do not go unchallenged."

For information on how to access support if you have been a victim of a hate crime in Oldham, click here.

You can also follow #WeStandTogether on social media during the week.

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