Oldham taking part in Hate Crime Awareness Week

Oldham Council and its partners are hosting a number of events across the borough this week in support of Greater Manchester's Hate Crime Awareness Week. 

The events, funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), aim to help local residents gain a better understanding of what hate crime is, how they can access support, and how they report and prevent hate crime in their area.

One of the events includes an information stall in Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, organised by the council’s community safety team, which involves a competition to win afternoon tea for two at Parliament Café and Deli as part of an interactive quiz relating to hate crime.

Hate crime is an act of violence or hostility that is directed at a person or group because of who they are or what they think they are. It comes in many different forms such as physical attacks, a threat of attack and verbal abuse or insults, and anyone can be affected by such incidents.

Unfortunately, many hate crimes go unreported, which is why these events are taking place to help those who are suffering in silence. For a full programme of what is taking place in Oldham, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/GMHCAW

Councillor Arooj Shah, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Social Justice and Communities, said: "Hate crime is absolutely abhorrent and it has no place in Oldham. We all have the right to go about our lives without the fear of being abused, threatened or attacked just because of who we are.

"We all have a responsibility to do our bit and stand against hatred, so I would encourage you all to come to any of the events throughout the week and find out how to help eradicate hate crime and support those who are suffering in silence." 

If you have been affected by a hate crime, even if you’re unsure that you’ve been a victim, it is important that you speak to someone. In an emergency call 999 and in a non-emergency call 101 or go to a nearby police station and report it.

Extra support is available for people who wish not to contact the police or for those who need extra support. This can be accessed at the Stop Hate Helpline – 0800 138 1625 – a free confidential 24-hour hate crime reporting service, or at one of Oldham’s various third-party reporting centres.

For more information on hate crime please visit www.oldham.gov.uk/hatecrime or call the Victim Support Services helpline: 0161 200 1950, Text Relay, 18002 0161 200 1950.