Story Makers session celebrates diversity for National Hate Crime Awareness Week

Over 900 children and 150 adults took part in Story Makers library sessions to celebrate diversity and inclusion, as part of Greater Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week (2-8 February 2026).

The regular library sessions, funded by Tameside’s Community Safety Partnership, focused this week on engaging families and children with important themes related to hate crime.

Using the children’s picture book Llama Glamarama by Simon James Green and Garry Parsons, Story Makers delivered sessions that encouraged young children to embrace their differences.

The book helps build strong foundations of acceptance and confidence in personal identity, essential skills for children as they grow.

Through storytelling and discussion, participants explored themes of kindness, self-belief and respect, reinforcing the message that everyone deserves to feel valued for who they are.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Towns Transport and Connectivity, Cllr Homer said: “These sessions are an excellent way to reach children and help build their understanding on such prominent themes.  It’s fantastic to see how many young people have engaged with the activities, with more than 900 children taking part this week alone. Great work from all involved!”

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, Cllr Feeley said: “Our libraries are welcoming and friendly places to all and I’m delighted that our popular Story Maker sessions were involved in spreading such important messages on kindness and respect. It’s wonderful to see so many families and children enjoying being involved in celebrating diversity.”