To mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week, Transport for London (TfL) is funding places on free training sessions aimed at helping people to know what action to take to prevent or reduce harm when they encounter hate crime.

These sessions build on TfL’s campaigns that explain how fellow passengers can help prevent and de-escalate incidents, and support those being targeted.

During National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs until next Sunday, 21 October, the police with the support of TfL are running events across the transport network that raise awareness of hate crime, and seek to reassure anyone who lacks confidence to travel on public transport. TfL is also sponsoring podcasts My Time Capsule and Upfront that explain the importance of tackling hate crime and staff abuse.

The sessions in Active Bystander Awareness training are for people living in London, and over 2,000 Londoners have already benefitted from the training. They were developed and are being delivered by the charity Protection Approaches and its partners Britain’s East and South East Asian Network (besea.n).

Participants require no previous knowledge, experience or training, and the sessions will take place between November and January. The courses are partly funded by the Mayor’s Office for Police and Crime (MOPAC), with TfL also contributing as part of its work to tackle hate crime.

A hate crime is any incident that a victim or any other person perceives to be motivated by hostility because of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity. TfL has zero tolerance for all forms of abuse on its network, and funds over 2,500 police officers across the Metropolitan, British Transport, and City of London Police (services..

Applications for the free half-day active bystander training courses can be booked online here.

London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: “The Mayor and I want everyone to be safe at all times when travelling around London. Everyone has the right to use public transport without fear of abuse and TfL takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of hate crime.

“Sadly, over recent days the increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crime has reminded us there is always work to do. Today, the Mayor and I are asking Londoners to join us in sending the message that hate has no place in our city.

“Londoners have told us that they want to support victims if they witness a hate crime, and they would feel more confident doing so if they had information on the best and safest ways to help. That is why I’m pleased TfL is supporting police to run a series of events across the transport network to raise awareness of hate crime and reassure those who may lack confidence on public transport. Together we can build a better, safer London for everyone.”

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, said: “No one should ever face abuse or discrimination for who they are. We won’t tolerate this behaviour on public transport which is why tackling hate crime is a priority for us and our transport policing partners.

“Over the course of National Hate Crime Awareness Week we are out and about on London’s transport network with our police partners to raise awareness of hate crime and its impact, the importance of reporting and calling on Londoners to be active bystanders to support each other. And just as our transport network is for everyone, so is this excellent active bystander training with Protection Approaches – I’d encourage anyone who is keen to find out how to help themselves and others to sign up.”

A/Detective Superintendent Ross Morrell, from the Met said: “National Hate Crime Awareness Week reminds us that we must stand together against all forms of hatred and prejudice. We will not tolerate any forms of hate crime and we will do everything possible to work with our partners and bring offenders to justice.

“Diversity is one of London’s greatest strengths and we want everyone to feel safe and protected. Hate crimes often traumatise whole communities and we would encourage anyone who is a victim of hate crime to report it to police.”

Andy Fearn, Co-Executive Director of Protection Approaches, said: “Whether it’s an inappropriate comment in the workplace, harassment on the Tube, or a physical assault in the street, we know that most people want to stand up and do something when they witness hate and to help protect the victim. Yet most don’t because they’re unsure how to do so safely and in ways that ensure the best outcomes for victims.

“Our Active Bystander training is proven to help people feel more confident and equipped to act. We’re delighted to be partnering with TfL and to be providing this training for its passengers. Together, this work will make London that little bit safer.”