PLAY your part in tackling hate crime, urges a Flintshire politician, as communities should come together.

This week marks Hate Crime Awareness Week, an opportunity for individuals and organisations to explain what is classed as a hate crime and to encourage communities to come together to tackle hate crime.

Each year an awareness campaign takes place to educate people on what a hate crime is, how important it is to report them to the police and calls on communities to come together to tackle discrimination and improve community cohesion.

Delyn MS Hannah Blythyn is calling on her constituency to play their part in tackling hate crime.

She said: “It is important we all play our part in tackling discrimination and hate crimes, by calling out unacceptable behaviours and reporting any crimes to the police.

"The Welsh Government is committed to making Wales a safe space for everyone and I’m proud to be taking forward work consulting on how we can be the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe.

"I’ve already heard some awful stories of how people face abuse due to their sexuality or the colour of their skin, which have made me even more committed to taking action."

Hate crimes can be reported to police via 101 or 999 in an emergency or via the online reporting form. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Welsh Government’s consultation on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan is open until October 22 and can be found at https://gov.wales/lgbtq-action-plan.

Ms Blythyn can be contacted on Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales.