Children across Bedfordshire are being taught about hate crime through a new video which was launched by the county’s police force last Wednesday, during Hate Crime Awareness Week.

The video, entitled #WeHateHateCrime, was made by community cohesion champions – who are aged between 13 and 15 years old – in association with Bedfordshire Police, education charity the Anne Frank Trust and True Vision, the online reporting tool for hate crime.

It was created to raise awareness of what hate crime is, how it affects victims, and how to report it.

Hate crime Sgt Carl Perri said: “We asked our champions to help us make the film for their peers on the topic of tackling hate crime. The champions planned, scripted and appeared as actors in the film with demonstrations which are relatable to young people.

“Schools can incorporate the video into their classroom learning to encourage discussions around how hate crime impacts victims, who can report and where they can report any hate crimes either as a victim or witness – encouraging victims not to suffer in silence.

“We take hate crime extremely seriously as it can have a devastating impact on victims and can leave them isolated, vulnerable and even suicidal, after being threatened, attacked or abused – often repeatedly – just because someone takes a disliking to their identity.”

The national awareness week ran from October 13 to 20, with the aim of bringing people together to support those who need ongoing support and encourage victims to come forward.”

The film was shown throughout the week to students across Bedfordshire in Year 5 and above.

Val Ross, eastern regional manager for the Anne Frank Trust UK, said: “It was great to work with the youngsters on such an important project, which will be viewed by so many to help empower them to take a stand against hate.”

If you or anyone you know has been affected by hate crime, call Beds police on 101 or contact True Vision online at report-it.org.uk or via third party reporting centres which can be found on the police website.You can also keep up to date with Beds police’s fight against hate crime via @hatecrimeteam on Twitter.