RESIDENTS are being urged to pledge to tackle hate crime.

As part of Greater Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week, a number of schemes will help people recognise what forms hate crime can take and stand with those who are affected.

Local authorities and organisations will therefore be calling on people to make a promise to end hate crime and create safer communities.

Cabinet member for police, crime and civil contingencies at Wigan Council, Cllr Kevin Anderson, said: “No one should be subjected to negative comments because of a disability, physical impairment or just because simply someone doesn’t like the way you look.

“Hate crime of any kind has no place in our communities.

"We want our borough to be a welcoming and open place where people are happy to visit and can make it their home without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

"That is why we want to call on residents to take an active role in spotting the signs of someone being targeted and report hate crime instances where appropriate, so it does not become an accepted part of society.”

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To tackle hate crime and highlight what can be done to report incidents, a number of activities will be taking place across the borough, together with an online tutorial available to Wigan Council staff.

Wigan Warriors, Leigh Centurions and Wigan Athletic players will be wearing hate crime awareness T-shirts during training and will incorporate information within their match day programme during the week.

A major focus of the week will be to engage young people and the Atherton and Tyldesley Youth Voice group has produced their own video on the difficulties facing many teenagers in relation to hate crime.

Shannon-Niamh, 16, who took part in the filming, said: “Before I came to this group, I didn’t know what a hate crime was so I hope after watching our video it will bring people together and make them realise it’s okay to talk and speak about it.”

Police officers will also be visiting schools throughout the borough delivering hate crime sessions to pupils to try provide more understanding on the signs to look out for.

Anyone who feels like they are being targeted or have witnessed a hate crime can report the incident through Stop Hate UK via their website stophateuk.org/.

Hate crimes can be reported through a number of different channels though. For more information about reporting visit wigan.gov.uk and search for "hate crime".

You can also report hate crime at the following reporting centres:

• Wigan and Leigh Citizen's Advice Bureau (cawb.org.uk) - Tel: 0300 3309 077 or visit Wigan or Leigh branch.

• Wigan Youth Zone (wiganyouthzone.org) - phone 01942 612061.

• SWAP (Support for Wigan Arrivals Project) (swapwigan.org) - call 01942 614489

• GMP hate crime (gmp.police/hatecrime).

• Report via the council's anti-social behaviour page (includes Wigan Council tenants also) - contact 01942 304364.

• Compassion in Action - Haven House (Leigh) or Patrick House (Leigh) - call 01942 418 830.