Derby has always been a welcoming city. Our differences are what make us stronger and over the next week communities will come together to send out the message that hate has no place in our city.
Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs from today (Saturday 8 October) until Saturday 15 October, is a national week to encourage the Council, Police, and national Government to work with key partners and communities affected by hate crime.
This is classed as a crime which has been motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone due to their disability, race or ethnic original, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity. The crime can be against the person or their property.
Derby City Council encourages anyone affected by hate crime to report it through the Council’s website, where you can also find more information about hate crime, hate incidents, and partners and organisations who can help.
Communities across Derby will raise awareness of hate crime in a number of events during the week.
Councillor Matthew Eyre, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Development, Place and Tourism, said:
“Hate has absolutely no place in Derby. We want everyone to feel safe and welcome in our city, and confident to be themselves. We also want to send the message that the Council, the Police and other agencies take reports of hate crime seriously and will support you.”
Derbyshire Constabulary and other partners will give a workshop and presentation for everyone attending the Community Engagement programme run by Premier League Kicks in conjunction with Derby County Community Trust. The programme is for children and young people aged from 8 to 19 and will be held at:
- Monday 10 October: Racecourse, 6pm to 8pm
- Tuesday 11 October: City of Derby Academy, 5.30pm to 7pm
- Thursday 13October: Arboretum Park, 6pm to 8pm
- Friday 14October: Racecourse 6pm to 8pm
Renowned author and lecturer Professor Richard Reddie is the guest speaker at an event at Derby West Indian Community Centre, Carrington Street, Derby, DE1 2ND on Tuesday 11 October. Organised by the Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employees Support Network (BESN), he’ll be speaking about Race, Faith and Hate Crime. The event is from 11.30am to 2.30pm. All welcome, but please register at BESN-Support@derby.gov.uk
Workshops with partners will be held for students at two Derby secondary schools, Bemrose School and Chellaston Academy.
On Wednesday 12 October, everyone is welcome to attend a hate crime pop-up meeting and workshop with the police and fire service from 4pm to 6pm, and with Derby County Community Trust from 6pm to 8pm. Refreshments will be available at the café.
The Council House will also be lit up in different colours for the whole week.