Hate Crime Awareness Week 2026

Hate Crime Awareness Week 2026

Hate Crime Awareness Week 2026

Hate Crime Awareness Week 2026 gets underway on Monday (12 October) with a range of insightful and thought-provoking activities.

It is in support of a national week of action encouraging local authorities, partners, and communities to work side-by-side to tackle hate crime and improve confidence in reporting incidents.

Locally, it is organised by the York and North Yorkshire Inclusive Communities Joint Coordinating Group which aim to:

A significant aspect will involve representatives from the partner agencies coming together to increase understanding about existing and emerging hate crime issues.

These include the following webinars and workshops:

Face-to-face gatherings during the week include…

On Monday (12 October) between 10am and 1pm, MENCAP is hosting their annual community engagement event in Northallerton Town Hall.

On Tuesday (13 October) between 10am and 3pm, the SWIFT Project is launching the new ‘Interfaith Network – North Yorkshire’ at North Yorkshire Police Headquarters in Northallerton. The new Interfaith Network is a direct development from last year’s launch of the York and North Yorkshire Hate Crime and Community Cohesion Plan on a Page 2025–28, which set out our shared vision and commitment to tackling hate crime and fostering safer, more inclusive communities.

Also on Tuesday, between 10am and 3pm, York St John University is hosting a Hate Crime Awareness Week ‘Partnership Day’ at the Lord Mayor’s Walk Campus. Local community partners will have various stalls for students to browse and engage with.

Local level Community Safey Hub events…

Hambleton:

Hate Crime Roadshows

Thursday 15 October –

10:00 – 12:00 – Northallerton Town Hall

13:00 – 15:00 – Stokesley Town Hall 

Friday 16 October

10:00 – 11:30 – Galtres Centre, Easingwold 

12:00 – 14:00 – Bedale Hall 

14:30 – 16:30 – Thirsk Tourist Information Centre

Selby:

Selby Locality Office – information table for all staff during the week

Wednesday 14 October – 13:00 – 15:00 – Stall at the Community Fridge, Community House, Selby

Harrogate:

Wednesday 14 October – 13:00 – 16:00 – Engagement event in Harrogate Town Centre

Craven:

Thursday 15 October – 13:00 – 14:30 – Engagement stall at Skipton Council Offices

Ryedale:

Tuesday 13 October – 10:00 – 12:00 – Stall at Lidl, Malton

Scarborough and Whitby:

Tuesday 13 October – 10:30 – 12:00 - Salvation Army Citadel, Alma Parade, Scarborough – drop in with the Scarborough Neighbourhood Policing Team

Friday 16 October – 10.30- 12.00 – Whitby Library, Windsor Terrace, Whitby - Drop in with the Whitby Neighbourhood Policing Team

Statements from the partners

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Fiona Willey, from North Yorkshire Police, said: “There is no place for hate crime in our communities, and we will continue to work together with our partners to eliminate it across York and North Yorkshire.

“Hate Crime Awareness Week enables all the partner agencies involved to build on best practice, apply new learning, and strengthen our collective ability to prevent and respond to hate crime.

“Our ultimate aim is for victims of hate crime to know how to report it and seek professional help, confident that we will do everything we can to support them and seek justice.”

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, whose responsibilities include community safety, said:

“This week is not just about raising awareness, it's about giving people the confidence to take action.

“Across York and North Yorkshire, partners are coming together to provide practical advice, training and support, helping people understand what hate crime looks like, how to report it and where to turn if they need help.

“Whether it's supporting young people, tackling racism in sport, addressing misogyny, challenging extremism or working with faith communities, the week's programme reflects the wide range of issues affecting our communities today.

“The new North Yorkshire Interfaith Network is an important example of that work in action. By bringing together faith communities, partners and the council, it will help promote understanding, challenge prejudice and strengthen community cohesion across the county.

“Through partnership working and open dialogue, we hope more people will feel confident reporting concerns and accessing support when they need it.”

Cllr Anna Perrett, Executive Member for Safer Communities at City of York Council, said:

“Hate Crime is unacceptable. This week is an important event which encourages our staff to broaden and deepen their understanding so they are better able to support our communities. We want them to encourage residents to report incidents, and are always looking at how we as partners can improve community cohesion and our responses to incidents.”

Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, Jo Coles said: 

"Levels of hate crime and discrimination in York and north Yorkshire are thankfully low but are often also underreported.

"I would encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses hate crime in our region to come forward and report it.  

"The North Yorkshire Interfaith Network will bring people of different faiths and backgrounds together, strengthening relationships, challenging prejudice. David Skaith, the Mayor, and I are committed to working closely with the partnership to ensure that everyone in York and North Yorkshire is safe and feels safe."

Hate crime reporting and seeking support

If you are a victim of hate crime or you have information that could help protect others, please make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website. The website also includes detailed guidance about hate crime support services.

You can also make a report by calling 101.

Always call 999 if an emergency response is required to deal with an immediate threat.

Get help with making a report

The charities, groups and organisations outlined below can offer support, advice and ways to report the incident without having to talk directly to the police.

Supporting Victims
You can report hate crime to Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire and they'll put you in touch with support organisations and explain your options. 

Crimestoppers  
A national charity with a free online and helpline for reporting crime anonymously. 

Community Security Trust (CST)
A charity protecting British Jews from antisemitism and related threats.

Tell MAMA 
A national project supporting victims of anti-Muslim hate and monitoring anti-Muslim incidents.

Galop 
A national charity providing advice and support to members of the LGBT+ community.

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