Tackling hate crime with Pugney the Pal
Monday, October 14, 2024
Wakefield Council have created a new workbook for children, featuring a brave and friendly dog, which aims to tackle hate during Hate Crime Week (14-20 October).
Pugney the Pal has faced adversity in his life. He’s different to other dogs, he wears an eyepatch and has one ear shorter than the other, because of his differences he was bullied. Now Pugney wants to share the message of being kind with children aged 7-9.
“There’s no place for hate in our district. It’s really important that we teach our children that it is completely unacceptable.
“Pugney the Pal is a brilliant way for children to learn what a hate crime is and how they can help, in a way that is fun and relatable to them.
“Anyone who does sadly see or experience a hate crime or incident should report it and know that they will be listened to and supported.”
Cllr Maureen Cummings
Cabinet Member for Communities and Poverty
Pugney will be travelling to schools where children will be invited to complete a workbook with fun activities that encourage them to think about being kind and caring. The workbook talks about what to do if they see someone being bullied and asks them to make a difference by spreading kindness and tackling hate.
The workbooks will be sent out to schools but also be available on website PolEd, a positive force in education, providing over 800 schools with free resources that encourage children and young people to be good citizens. The service was created in 2019 as a collaboration between ex-teachers and police officers from West Yorkshire. It focuses on policing priorities and will be pushed out nationally as it grows.
Pugney the Pal workbooks will also be available from local libraries and family hubs across the district.
Hate crimes are taken very seriously in the district and the Council is dedicated to providing support to victims. If you have been a victim or have witnessed a hate crime, you can report it. Visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/hatecrime to find out more about the support available.