April the 22nd 2019, was the country’s first Stephen Lawrence Day.

To honour this national day of commemoration, Greenwich Inclusion Project worked within a range of learning settings in the borough totalling more than four-hundred children, young people and teachers and sent articles and guidance to community groups across the borough ,encouraging them to mark the day by organising events.

Stephen was murdered in a racist attack on Well Hall Road, Eltham in 1993.The investigation into Stephen’s murder forced institutions to look deeply into their cultures; creating a legal framework that lives on today in the form of the Equality Act and is recognised as the forefather of today’s hate crime agenda.

In an article published on the day, Stephen’s mother Doreen stated that ‘I hope that today, people from all walks of life will take a moment to consider how they can take an active role in building an inclusive society for everyone to live their best life, regardless of gender, race, sexuality, religion, disability or background.’

During these weeks of, self isolating, social distancing and restricted travel, it may seem that Doreen Lawrence's aim of building an inclusive society seem distant as our thoughts lay elsewhere: but at the same time this aim is more necessary than ever. Groups and individuals across London , and further afield have emerged as volunteers and organised by providing additional, eyes, ears and hands to assist the needy and marginalised at this difficult time.

Stephen Lawrence Day offers a valuable opportunity for us to remember the importance of challenging hostility and prejudice and of remaining vigilant in times of crisis when vulnerability for many will increase despite reduced social contact.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich commissions Stop Hate UK’s 24- hour hate crime telephone reporting service, available in more than forty community languages, 0800 138 1625.

The Royal Borough also commissions three charities that support victims of hate crime and raises awareness of how to report, and the impact of hate crime.

o Greenwich Inclusion Project focuses on Race & Religion: marc.lorenzi@griproject.org.uk

o Metro has a focus on Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender hate crime susan.hailes@metrocharity.org.uk and

o MetroGAD specialises in Disability gad@metrocharity.org.uk

If you are feeling vulnerable or fear that you may be targeted because of your race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity and, please contact one of the organisations above or Jayne.mcelroy@royalgreenwich.gov.uk the Victims Development Officer (Violence Against Women & Girls and Hate Crime), Safer Communities Team ,Royal Borough of Greenwich.