People are being urged to talk about and report the devastating impacts of hate crimes as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week.
Charities, community groups, the police and Bolton Council are organising events to mark the week, which starts on Monday, 5 February.
Hate crimes are incidents based on someone’s race, nationality, religion, gender, sexuality, disability or lifestyle and dress.
They can be reported to the police, the council or 23 different community and voluntary organisations across Bolton. Contact details are on the council’s website.
Bolton based charity, Response, tackles homelessness, mental health and loneliness and is holding hate crime workshops this Monday 5, Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8, February.
Krimmz, an award-winning youth club that encourages girls from diverse communities to take part in sport, is holding three events for children, teens and adults on Monday 5, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11, February. Contact krimmzgirlsyouthclub@gmail.com to take part.
The Harmony Youth Project will also be carrying out education and awareness raising around hate crime.
The activities are funded by Greater Manchester via Bolton's Fund, which directs grants to Bolton communities and people. The grants are independently assessed, awarded and managed by Bolton CVS on behalf of the council and its partners.
Cllr Rabiya Jiva, Bolton Council Executive Member for Stronger Communities, said:
“Bolton has a long tradition of communities living and working together well, but I am increasingly worried about hate crime.
“It is a blight on our communities and we are working with the police and partners to raise awareness of the terrible impacts it has.
“I encourage people to talk about hate crime and how it affects them and their communities.
“Don’t be afraid. Talk to us and report hate crime whenever it happens. We’re listening and we take it seriously.”