Speak Out Space: Empowering Communities to Tackle Hate Crime in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

As part of this year’s National Hate Crime Awareness Week (11–18 October 2025), the newly launched Speak Out Space website is helping to shine a light on hate crime and provide vital support to those affected across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. 

Funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Speak Out Space is a dedicated online hub offering clear guidance on recognising, reporting and responding to hate crime. The platform connects victims, witnesses and organisations to local support services, ensuring that help is accessible, inclusive and confidential. 

The website features: 

• Easy-to-use reporting tools for hate crimes and incidents 

• Access to emotional and practical support from local services 

• Real-life impact stories to raise awareness and understanding 

• Multilingual resources in Gujarati, Urdu, Polish, Punjabi and Somali 

• Accessibility features to ensure everyone can use the site confidently 

Prevention Inspector Will Prince said: “We know that hate crimes and hate incidents are under reported, if you or someone you know has been affected by hate crime please come forward.  A variety of help and support is available.  

“The Speak Out Space is a valuable resource to continually promote, but never more so than in the current climate and during a time when hate crime awareness is shone under the spotlight.   

“It is a partnership approach to raise awareness about hate crime and its impact and showcases where and how to make a report as well as the different types of support that is available covering Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. 

“We want to reach as many people as possible to let them know how to make a report to us and ask for support in sharing the Speak Out Space as widely as possible.” 

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “Being a victim of crime is bad enough, but being targeted due to hate quite literally adds insult to injury and can make the process of recovery vastly more difficult and emotionally disruptive. So, I want to make it clear that hate crime will not be tolerated.    

“I urge anyone affected by crimes, whether driven by hatred or not to report it.  That is the only way that the people responsible will be brought to justice.”  

Leicestershire Police also offer tailored workshops for KS2 and KS3 students and youth groups, helping young people understand the impact of hate crime and how to respond safely and responsibly. 

Visit www.speakoutspace.co.uk to learn more, report a hate crime, or access support.