Raising awareness of hate crime

POLICE, Warrington Borough Council and other partners across the town have teamed up to raise awareness of hate crime as part of Disability Awareness Day.
They are encouraging people to go along and get involved in the event at Walton Hall and Gardens on Tuesday, July 8.
From 1-4pm, attendees will hear Warrington’s very own Paralympian athlete, Adrian Derbyshire, share his motivational story and his passion for disabled sport.
They can also listen to Claire Haslam, from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community, telling her inspirational story challenging prejudice and hate crime.
People can also find out how their organisation can become a community reporting centre with free on-the-spot training or how to register their business as a “Safe Place”.
Safe Places is a scheme run by the Hate Crime Partnership in which businesses such as shops, cafes pubs, libraries and other places, can register to and be officially known as a safe place where vulnerable people can go for support if they feel worried, threatened, intimidated or bullied.
Cllr Pat Wright (pictured), the borough council’s lead member for health, wellbeing and adult services said “Hate crime can destroy lives and instil fear into its victims and witnesses. It can stop people from living and enjoying their everyday lives. Hate crime affects whole
communities and leaves long-lasting damage to the fabric of our society. It hurts all of us.
“But our message is a positive one. The police can and do prosecute hate crime offenders. But we can all do more. The Hate Crime Partnership, which includes the council, police, and other partners, works across all agencies and its emphasis is on prevention and tackling those ‘lower level’ incidents that not only are intolerable, but so frequently lead to more serious crimes and damage the whole community”.
Anyone who wants to get involved and do more in tackling hate crime can attend the event by responding to [email protected] or by ringing 01925 248470.