Tuesday 14th October was a key date in the diary for local partners and stakeholders across Bolton at the Bolton Hate Crime Conference.
As part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, professionals from different sectors came together at the Toughsheet Community Stadium with one clear aim – to develop the Bolton Hate Crime Plan that will enable Bolton to effectively address hate crime.
The conference explored the impact of hate crime, how to report it, and how to improve support for victims.
Operational and strategic leads worked in partnership throughout the day, taking part in various workshops, to share ideas and observations to help the plan's development.
The plan that emerges from the conference will set out how partners work together for the next four years to prevent and tackle hate crime in its many forms and make communities safer and stronger for all.
It will focus on education and raising awareness of hate crime, improve reporting and fostering stronger communities.
Alongside the host, Jill Caldwell, CEO of Endeavour Domestic Abuse Service, a range of special guests spoke about their experiences and shared their stories, insights and vision.
Featuring Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Lee Broadstock, Attraction Lead from GMP, Michael Stead, Advocate Service Lead at Bolton/Bury and Wigan Deaf Services and Marwa Soliman, Visionary Founder of Heya in Nottingham.
Cllr Rabiya Jiva, Executive Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said:
“It was a privilege to take part in the Hate Crime Conference and meeting so many exceptional individuals and organisations that are making a difference in reducing hate crime was truly empowering.
“I’d like to thank those that came along, sharing their experience and working in partnership with us to provide awareness and support to our residents.
“Hate crime has no place in this town, in Greater Manchester, Britain or anywhere else and I have full confidence that we will deliver a robust plan that will strengthen our communities.”
The Bolton Hate Crime Plan will be launched in January and will be available on the council website.
For more information on hate crime in Bolton visit www.bolton.gov.uk/hatecrime