Board Manager's Blog (October 2025) Mon 06 Oct 2025

Bradford Against Hate - One City, One Message

There’s an awful lot going on in the world right now, isn’t there? Some days, it feels like every time you turn on the news on the TV or radio , there’s another story that makes your heart sink, stories of conflict, division, and pain.

But when things feel unsettled out there, I always find myself looking closer to home. Here in Bradford, we’re reminded every day that community still matters, that kindness, understanding, and looking out for one another are powerful things.

That’s why this month’s message feels so important. From 11th to 18th October, we’ll be marking National Hate Crime Awareness Week, and this year, our message is simple: Bradford District Against Hate

It’s a week for everyone, whether you’re part of a community organisation, a school, a business, or simply someone who wants to make a difference. It’s about standing together to say that hate, in any form, has no home here.

What Hate Crime Looks Like – Why It Matters

Hate crime can take many shapes — from verbal abuse and physical violence to social media harassment or vandalism. It’s any act that targets a person because of who they are, their race, religion, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

And while we talk a lot about statistics and categories, it’s the human side that hits hardest. Hate crimes can leave people frightened in their own neighbourhoods, unsure of where they belong. That’s not the Bradford District I know, and it’s not the Bradford any of us want to see. Our city has always been stronger when we stand together. The small moments, a smile on the street, a word of support, a hand extended when someone’s struggling, are what make us who we are.

This year, the Bradford Hate Crime Alliance is once again leading a citywide campaign alongside partners including Bradford Council, Victim Support, and West Yorkshire Police. Together, we’re encouraging everyone to play their part in making Bradford a city that stands united.

Here’s How You Can Join

📝 Take the Pledge - Download a pledge card from the Bradford Hate Crime Alliance website. Please write a few words about why you stand against hate, and share them on social media using #BradfordAgainstHate, #NationalHCAW, and #ThreeDecadesOneMission. It’s a small act, but a powerful one — and when hundreds of people do it, it sends a clear message that our city chooses respect over division.

💬 Start the Conversation - Discuss hate crimes with your friends, colleagues, or family. These conversations help raise awareness and make people more confident about reporting incidents.

💻 Show Support Online - Post messages of unity, share local events, or highlight community stories that show Bradford at its best. The more positive voices there are online, the less space there is for hate.

Reporting Hate Crime and Getting Support

If you see or experience a hate crime, please don’t ignore it — every report helps to make our communities safer. You can:

🔹 Call West Yorkshire Police on 101 (always 999 in an emergency).

🔹 Report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

🔹 Visit one of Bradford’s 27 Hate Incident Reporting Centres.

These Reporting Centres are safe, confidential spaces with trained staff who can help you report an incident, even if you don’t want to give your details to the Police. The centres were established in partnership with the Bradford Hate Crime Alliance, Bradford Council, Victim Support, West Yorkshire Police, and community organisations. There’s also online reporting for anyone who prefers that route; you can even submit a third-party report if you’ve witnessed an incident or been told about one but weren’t directly involved. For full details, including the list of reporting centres, online reporting options, and including some great free resources, and fantastic online awareness videos that colleagues from People First Keighley and Craven have developed , go on go take a look and share.

🔗 www.saferbradford.co.uk/community-safety/hate-crime/

Why This Work Matters

Bradford Council and its partners are committed to raising awareness of hate crime and increasing reporting across the district. There’s no evidence to suggest hate crime is worse here than anywhere else — but we know that many incidents still go unreported, often because victims worry they won’t be taken seriously or don’t think it’s “serious enough” to report.

That’s why we need people to come forward. Reporting helps ensure that victims receive the support they need and that offenders are held accountable. It also helps us understand where problems are happening so we can respond effectively and prevent further harm.

Hate crime isn’t just a police issue; it’s a community issue. And tackling it takes all of us.

Bradford’s Strength Is Its People

The truth is, hate loses its power when people come together. And if there’s one thing Bradford knows how to do, it’s come together.

From our neighbourhood projects and faith networks to schools, youth groups, and community hubs, this city is full of people who choose kindness every single day.
So this Hate Crime Awareness Week, let’s make sure that message shines brightly through.

Take the pledge. Have the conversation. Share the message.

Together, we can make sure Bradford continues to be a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and proud to belong.

Until next time, Darren