Muslim youth #RosesForPeace campaign in Portsmouth city centre

By Evie Carroll – Police Community Support Officer
On the 1st of May 2019, three of my colleagues and I attended the #RosesForPeace event in Commercial Road, hosted by University of Portsmouth Ahlulbayt Society.
As part of the event we handed out free roses to members of the public with positive quotes about peace and kindness attached to them to promote acceptance in light of recent terror attacks. There was a huge sense of unity in commercial road throughout the duration of the event and the feedback from the public was mostly really positive with some people even making comments saying that we’d made their day.
Some members of the public in particular found themselves really connected to the overall message and background for the event and became quite emotional which was humbling to see and be a part of.
Ultimately I think that the #RosesForPeace event was incredibly successful and something that would benefit Hampshire constabulary to be involved in again in the future.
This event was a great way to engage with the public and spread acceptance and awareness of hate crime and a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all involved.