An event to raise awareness of hate crimes will be held in Armley this week.
As part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2017, a number of events will be held across the city to raise awareness of the issue and the practical help that is available to tackle it.
The week will begin on Monday 16 October with the official launch by Cllr Debra Coupar of the updated Leeds hate crime strategy: ‘Responding to hate’.
This will be followed by events held at various locations across Leeds, where council workers and police will speak in local communities about hate crime and the support on offer to any person or groups experiencing it.
The national hate crime campaign aims to bring people together, to stand with those affected by hate crime, to remember those we have lost, and support those who need our ongoing support.
Through the week, the council and partners will be supporting the national #WeStandTogether message and local #LeedsNoPlaceforHate message to reassure the thousands of people across Leeds and the wider community, that the city remains safe and welcoming for all.
The event in Armley will be held on Thursday 19th October at the B&M Store, Armley Road from 1.30-4pm.
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council executive member for communities, said:
“Leeds today is more diverse than ever and we can be incredibly proud that as a city we have a history of being somewhere that is welcoming, tolerant and compassionate of people from all backgrounds and faiths.
“There is simply no place in our city for hate crimes of any form, and it will not be tolerated. We must stand together, and anyone who witnesses or experiences abusive behaviour should report it to the police or the council immediately.
“Anyone reporting a hate crime can be assured they will be listened to and that it will be investigated both properly and thoroughly.”
How to report hate crime
There are various ways people can make a report. This can be done in person at any council office, council one stop centres or any police station.
You can telephone West Yorkshire Police on 101 or in an Emergency 999 or the Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team on 0113 222 4402 or email at LASBT@leeds.gov.uk.
The national organisation Stop Hate UK can be contacted on 800 138 1625, by text to 07717 989025 or via talk@stophateuk.org or downloading the Stop Hate UK app.
A hate crime is defined as a crime which is committed against someone due to their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.