Young people help spread message that there is no place for hate in Bedfordshire

School pupils from across Bedfordshire are helping to spread the message that there is no place for hate in our communities as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week.

The Bedfordshire Police Community Cohesion Team, Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Tizard, and partners from Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and Luton Council have once again come together to run a county-wide poster competition encouraging young people to promote inclusion, respect and community cohesion.

The competition encourages pupils to use their creativity to challenge prejudice and discrimination, and to think about the impact hate crime can have on people and communities. Winning entries will be recognised during Hate Crime Awareness Week.

A hate crime is any crime targeted at someone because of who they are, or who someone thinks they are, such as their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said:

“I am thrilled that young people have shown their commitment to inclusivity through their excellent artwork. Through their art they are sending a very important message – there is no place for hate.

Congratulations and thanks to the remarkable artists!

I implore everyone in Bedfordshire to take these young people’s lead and commit to challenging hatred and promoting respect and inclusion. Let’s make Bedfordshre a county of hope not hate for the sake of everyone especially our children and young people”

As part of his commitment to tackling hate crime and supporting victims, the PCC funds Stop Hate UK to provide an independent, confidential reporting service across Bedfordshire for those who may not feel comfortable reporting directly to the police.

Sergeant Phil Boyd from the force’s Community Cohesion team said: “It is so important that we continue to work collectively with residents of Bedfordshire to ensure that there is no place for hate in our county. Starting with school children, we can spread the early message about tolerance and unity, and help prevent divisions from forming. It has been amazing seeing the inspiring artworks created by local children, and how simply they view the idea of community cohesion.

“During Hate Crime Awareness Week, we will continue to engage with people from the numerous communities within we serve, and help them to build the confidence in coming to report hate crime when they experience it. We know that many people do not report incidents against them which are motivated by hostility or prejudice, and we hope that our continued work within the community is helping to build that trust and confidence. We know many of our community leaders and partners will support you in making that decision to report hate to the police so please help us make sure that there is no place for hate in Bedfordshire.’

Anyone who experiences or witnesses hate crime can also report it to Bedfordshire Police online, via 101, or in an emergency by calling 999.

Information about recognising and reporting hate crime is available on the Bedfordshire Police website:

What is hate crime? | Bedfordshire Police

How to report hate crime | Bedfordshire Police