New Leeds campaign takes stand against all discrimination

Social cohesion refers to how well people from different backgrounds, cultures, and social groups get on and live together peacefully, sharing common values, goals, and responsibilities.

Between October 2023 and September 2024 3,234 instances of hate crime were recorded in Leeds. Many instances of discrimination and hate crime are never reported, so the real number is thought to be much higher.

The new anti-discrimination campaign uses posters across the city centre and social media activity to spread a message of non-tolerance for misogyny, racism, anti-Muslim prejudice, anti Semitism, ageism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and disability discrimination. It also aims to highlight the pride that people feel in the city’s diversity through the overall tagline “What makes us different makes us Leeds”.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer services and community safety, said: “At Leeds City Council, we will not tolerate discrimination in any form. Leeds has a proud tradition of welcoming people from all backgrounds, faiths and beliefs and we want to celebrate being a diverse and vibrant city.

"We are proud of our diverse communities and tackling hate crime and intolerance is a top priority for us as we work to strengthen community cohesion.

“This campaign is part of what we’re doing to take a stand against discrimination, challenge harmful attitudes and build a city where everyone feels and is respected and safe.”

Read more about the campaign at leeds.gov.uk/strongerleeds. 

ENDS

The campaign has sourced funding from the community recovery fund: Community Recovery Fund: Guidance - GOV.UK. This is a pot made available to areas who experienced unrest in 2024, and can be used for a range of things, including "To reduce the risk of further disorder in the future" and "To rebuild social trust and promote cohesion between communities".