By Leah Conway –
Kirklees Council has organised a poetry tour that aims to raise awareness of hate crimes. The tour will explore what hate crimes are, the importance of reporting them and the support available for victims.
There will be six events for National Hate Crime Awareness Week, each with an individual theme. The events will feature bespoke poems performed by Batley Poets as well as crucial information on hate crimes. The events include children’s activities, readings from local writing groups and an open mic for anyone wishing to get up and share messages of unity.
There will also be pop up stalls within the local community throughout the week at supermarkets across Huddersfield and the Huddersfield Bus station.
Hate crimes include physical attack, damage to property, offensive graffiti and inciting hatred, perceived to be aimed at someone because of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. Hate incidents are similar, but not to a criminal extent, such as verbal and online abuse.
“Proud to host the Poems of Hope Tour”
Councillor Carole Pattison, Cabinet Member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, said, “We’re proud to host the Poems of Hope Tour in support of National Hate Crime Awareness Week.
“Being targeted with verbal or physical acts of hate is simply not acceptable. Hate crimes can have a deeply damaging impact on not only those who experience them but their families and their neighbourhoods too.
“That’s why events like this are so important to raise awareness. Only by helping people to understand what a hate crime is and how to report them can we make sure victims get the support they need. Their bravery in coming forward could also prevent someone else from experiencing a hate crime. Not only that, but reporting is vital to help us to build a true picture of what’s happening locally, so we can work with our partners to take necessary action.
“I’d urge anyone who’s experienced a hate crime to report it.”
Read more: County-wide online event aims to improve the safety of women and girls
Poetry Tour Dates
- Saturday 9 October 11am – 1pm
Nelson Mandela Corner (behind the library), Huddersfield Town Centre, HD1 2QF
Theme: Race
- Saturday 9 October 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Beaumont Park, Crosland Moor, HD4 7AY
Theme: Faith
- Sunday 10 October 2pm – 4pm
Greenhead Park Band Stand, Huddersfield, HD1 4DT
Theme: Sexual Orientation
- Wednesday 13 October 2pm – 4pm
Longcauseway Band Stand, Dewsbury, WF12 8DG
Theme: Transphobia
- Saturday 16 October 11am – 1pm
The Green, Heckmondwike, WF16 0HE
Theme: Misogyny
- Saturday 16 October 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Batley Market Place, Batley, WF17 5DA
Theme: Disability
All the events are free and outdoor events. Further information about the tour is available by email at cohesion@kirklees.gov.uk.