Pic: Alisdare Hickson (Flickr)

Eleven people have successfully completed specialist training to tackle hate crime on a course organised by Tower Hamlets, following a rise in reported incidents in the borough.

1,300 residents and 130 businesses are already supporting the borough’s No Place for Hate pledge, developed by the council.

Project Support Officer Shalina Akhtar said: “I understand how life changing these experiences can be and how important it is to be believed and supported. I am also a strong believer in obtaining justice and holding perpetrators to account. Therefore, I will use my role to be a voice for the silenced and work tirelessly to empower victims to become survivors.”

The new volunteers will run projects to bring thousands of people together to improve relationships within their communities, and add to the 60 others who have also been trained.

Mayor John Biggs said: “I’m really grateful to all the new champions, for their work challenging division and their dedication to making our borough an even better place to live.”

Councillor Shiria Khatun who also received the No Place for Hate Champion training herself, said: “I am honoured to have competed this important training. I will be proudly displaying my certificate in my office. I also urge local residents to take up the opportunity and get trained as a No Place for Hate Champion and join me. We are stronger and better as a community when we celebrate our differences and our diversity.”

To sign the No Place for Hate pledge, go to www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/npfh-pledge