Young people in Borehamwood learnt about hate crime, at a special session to mark Stephen Lawrence Day.
Over a hundred people aged 11 plus attended the highly successful Friday Night Project on Friday 28 April to hear from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Hate Crime Officer, Andrea Haughton.
The session was to mark 30 years since the death of Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack. Since then the Stephen Lawrence Foundation has worked to stand up against discrimination.
Hilary Shade, Head of Partnerships and Community Engagement at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “It was great to see so many young people attend the session and be so engaged with the talk.
“The Friday Night Project takes place every Friday at Hertswood Academy in Borehamwood to offer diversionary activities for our young people and give them a welcoming place to meet friends. We regularly have over a hundred young people attend each week and there are lots of activities to get involved with, including basketball, football and dance.
"The sessions are free to attend with snacks and drinks provided by WD6 foodbank. If your young person would like to attend, please encourage them to pop along.”
Hate Crime Officer Andrea Haughton, said: “This was a great opportunity to meet and engage with local young people while also speaking to them about the importance of remembering Stephen Lawrence and highlighting the work that is still ongoing today to create a more equal and inclusive society.
“It’s important that we as police build trusted relationships with our young people so that they feel they can approach us and speak to us. The Friday Night Project is a really great initiative that allows us to positively engage with our young community.”
The Friday Night Project is part of our Active Local project in partnership with Clarion, Leecliffe Big Local, Tabard Rugby Club, Sporting Inspirations and Services for Young People, and focuses on providing activities in Cowley Hill. Food is provided by WD6 foodbank.
The Friday Night project takes place every week between 5pm and 8.30pm at Hertswood Academy in Borehamwood.
Posted on Wednesday 10th May 2023