Richmondshire school pupils are taking part in a week-long campaign urging people to work together to tackle hate crime.

Hate Crime Awareness Week is a national week of action being supported by the Safeguarding Adults Boards, Safeguarding Children’s Partnerships and Community Safety Partnerships and Hubs across North Yorkshire and the City of York.

Pupils at Risedale School at Catterick Garrison took part in workshops on hate and mate crime on Tuesday 13th October. They learned how to recognise it and report it – and what local support services are available.

Safer Richmondshire – Richmondshire District Council’s Community Safety Hub – has given its support to the initiative.

North Yorkshire Police School Liaison Officer, Helen Lavender supported by Police Community Safety Officer Katie Whitehead discussed gender and sexual identities and HBT (Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic) bullying with the pupils.

Helen said: “The school liaison team’s main focus is to prevent the criminalisation of young people and provide early intervention and support.

“Youth engagement is a powerful way for the police service, partner agencies and community organisations to involve the young people they serve in moving their work forward and results in young people being involved in responsible, supporting and challenging actions to create positive social change.”

Senior Teacher at Risedale Sarah Cox said: "The pupils had a fantastic day learning about Hate Crime and how it feels to be a victim of it. Thank you to PC Helen Lavender for organising and delivering the workshops."