RESIDENTS across Tameside are being encouraged to get involved in a week of creative and community-focused events, aimed at challenging hate crime and showing solidarity with those affected.
Hate Crime Awareness Week runs from February 2 to 9, and a series of local activities – from mosaic-making to peace pledges – are set to take place in town centres, churches and community spaces.
Local groups have secured support through Greater Manchester’s small community grants programme, allowing them to run projects that spark conversations about respect, inclusion and how to report hate incidents.
Rather than formal talks, many of the sessions lean on creativity and participation. The idea is to bring people together, get them talking, and make support visible in everyday spaces.
One of the most hands-on activities takes place on Thursday (February 5) at Clarendon Shopping Centre in Hyde. A community mosaic titled Too Great for Hate will grow throughout the day as shoppers add their own pieces alongside artist Caroline Coates. The drop-in runs from 10am to 4pm, with community safety staff on hand.
On Saturday (February 7), two different events are planned.
In Stalybridge, an awareness stand at the town’s Tesco store, from 9am to 6pm, will share information on reporting hate crime and accessing support. Visitors can also contribute to a “Talking Wall” promoting shared values, with input from Safe Space Wellbeing Lab.
Meanwhile in Hyde, The Methodist Church on Crook Street will host a late-morning gathering focused on unity. Organised by Thomas Ashton School, it begins at 11am with a choir performance, followed by a chance to decorate wooden Peace Doves with personal pledges. The doves will later hang on a Peace Tree at the Community Centre.
The week rounds off on Sunday (February 8) at St Barnabas Church in Hattersley, where Ark of Hope is running a family-friendly session from 12:30pm to 2pm. Activities include creating batik pieces and writing positive Too Great for Hate messages, with a focus on bringing different cultures and neighbours together.
Hate crime can target race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity, and often goes under-reported. Events like these aim to make support more visible and encourage people to speak up.