A number of events are taking place in Tower Hamlets to mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week.
National Hate Crime Awareness Week (NHCAW) is an annual UK-wide campaign encouraging government bodies, police, councils, charities, and communities to work together to tackle hate crime. This year, it is taking place from 10 to 17 October.
The organising charity, 17-24-30 NHCAW, began as a remembrance initiative for the 1999 London nail bomb attacks and now leads national awareness, remembrance, and anti-hate campaigns.
Cllr Kabir Ahmed, cabinet member for Public Protections and Integrated Enforcement, said: “Tower Hamlets has a proud history of standing against hate crimes, from the Battle of Cable Street nearly 90 years ago to the response after Altab Ali’s murder in 1978. Tower Hamlets has also prevented the English Defence League from marching in 2011 and 2013.
“The council's dedication to diversity and unity is evident in their No Place for Hate Campaign, which encourages communities to challenge hate and build a strong sense of community.
“The council's Hate Crime Team coordinates efforts to prevent hate crime and provides support to victims. Tower Hamlets remains one of the most diverse and cohesive boroughs in the country, with 91% of residents reporting they get on well with their neighbours.
“However, there is always more that can be done, and that is why we are organising a week of activity to highlight how victims can get support and report the incidents and to show that we, as a borough, are united in standing against hate. Tower Hamlets is firmly no place for hate.”
Events taking place include:
- 20 Years of the Tower Hamlets No Place for Hate Campaign Celebration: Monday 12 October, 9.30am to 2pm in Grocers Wing, Town Hall. Sign up on EventBrite.
- Peace Walk (in partnership with Elop): Wednesday 14 October, 2pm – 4.45pm. Meet 1.50pm at Altab Ali Park, then proceed to Brady Centre for speeches and refreshments.
- No Place for Hate Football Match: Thursday 15 October, 2pm to 4pm, Stepney Green Astroturf Pitch, E1 3NG
- No Place for Hate Exhibition at the Brady Arts & Community Arts Centre: Celebrating 20 years of the Tower Hamlets No Place for Hate Campaign, this exhibition will highlight the campaign’s achievements, key milestones and impact in tackling hate crime, promoting inclusion and strengthening community cohesion across the borough. The exhibition will run to 24 October.
The council is also encouraging individuals and organisations to sign its pledge against hate. You can find out more information here Personal pledge against hate.
If you have been a victim of a hate crime and want support, or you want to help a victim, please visit Hate crime for more information.
To report a hate crime call the Police on 999 for emergencies, or 101 for non-emergencies. The Victim Support National Helpline is 08 08 16 89 111 or 0808168 9291.
Posted on Friday 2nd October 2026