A charity is making people with learning disabilities more aware about the possibilities of hate crime.

Barnet Mencap held a conference on Wednesday, March 28 to enable people to recognise hate crime and understand how to report it.

Shelley Gibbons, community project managers, said: “We want to make more people aware about what hate crime is and how to report it.

“Hate crime can happen in a variety of ways. Sometimes people with learning disabilities are targeted in pubs – people will ask them for drinks and give them abuse if they don’t. It can also be cyber bullying through social networks."

Barnet Council and the Metropolitan Police were also involved in the event which included drama sessions and workshops at North London Business Park.

Hate crime can be reported to the police or via Barnet Mencap. To find out more information about Barnet Mencap or to report an incident of hate crime call 020 8349 3842.