Last reviewed 20 November 2023
Transport for London (TfL) is offering hundreds of places for free active bystander training with charity Protection Approaches as part of its zero-tolerance approach to hate crime on the London transport network.
A hate crime is any crime perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity.
The transport watchdog's Personal Security report, 2021, shows that 63% of passengers would feel more confident in intervening in an incident on public transport if they had more information on how to help.
The half-day active bystander training course is aimed at all Londoners and requires no previous knowledge, experience or training.
Delivered virtually or in London on a series of dates between November and January 2024, the discussion-based training explores what it means to be an active bystander or ally, how to safely stand up for victims and what people can do if they are the victim.
Anyone wanting more information about the training or to book a place should go here.
More than 2000 Londoners have already benefitted from the training, with participants giving consistently positive feedback and reporting increased confidence in dealing with hate crime incidents.
Andy Fearn, Co-Executive Director of Protection Approaches, said: “Whether it's an inappropriate comment in the workplace, harassment on the Tube, or a physical assault in the street, we know that most people want to stand up and do something when they witness hate and to help protect the victim. Yet most don't because they're unsure how to do so safely and in ways that ensure the best outcomes for victims. Our Active Bystander training is proven to help people feel more confident and equipped to act”.
Customers can report an incident on the bus network to the police or by calling 101.