Charities, community groups, the police, and Bolton Council have come together to organize a series of events to commemorate the week starting on Monday, 5th February. This week aims to address hate crimes, which are acts of discrimination based on factors such as race, nationality, religion, gender, sexuality, disability, or lifestyle and dress. Individuals can report such incidents to the police, the council, or any of the 23 community and voluntary organizations across Bolton. The council’s website provides contact details for these organizations.
Response, a charity based in Bolton, focuses on tackling issues related to homelessness, mental health, and loneliness. As part of this initiative, they will be hosting hate crime workshops on Monday 5th, Wednesday 7th, and Thursday 8th February. Krimmz, an acclaimed youth club that encourages girls from diverse backgrounds to participate in sports, will also be organizing three events for children, teenagers, and adults on Monday 5th, Saturday 10th, and Sunday 11th February. Those interested in participating can contact krimmzgirlsyouthclub@gmail.com.
In addition, the Harmony Youth Project will be conducting educational activities and promoting awareness about hate crimes. These initiatives are made possible through funding from Greater Manchester via Bolton’s Fund, which provides grants to support communities and individuals in Bolton. The grants are independently assessed, awarded, and managed by Bolton CVS on behalf of the council and its partners.
Councillor Rabiya Jiva, Bolton Council Executive Member for Stronger Communities, expressed concern about the prevalence of hate crimes in Bolton. While the town has a long-standing tradition of cohesive community living, hate crimes remain a significant issue. The council is determined to combat this problem by working closely with the police and other partners to raise awareness about the devastating impact of hate crimes. Councillor Jiva strongly encourages individuals to openly discuss hate crimes and their effects on both individuals and communities. People are urged not to be afraid, but to report any incidents of hate crime promptly, as the council and its partners take these matters seriously and are ready to listen.
