People who carry out hate crime in Cumbria are going to be rehabilitated.
Cases of abuse on the grounds of religion, sexual orientation or disability have risen 7%, according to crime stats released last month.
Now, the county's Police and Crime Commissioner has launched the 'Turning the Spotlight' programme.
It'll aim to help offenders move away from their prejudices.
Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: “I was keen to support this project because I firmly believe that education and awareness raising activities are key if we are to tackle hate crime in the county. Any crime is unacceptable, but hate crime in particular has such a dramatic impact on people’s lives that we need to work hard with partners to address it.”
Aftab Khan of AWAZ Cumbria said: “ We would welcome referral on to this programme from any organisation and groups or individuals who wish to tackle and reconcile their prejudices and want to learn more how to live and work in a multicultural society to foster good realations across Cumbria.”
More information on the project is available by clicking here or by telephoning 01228 511115