A campaign has been launched to tackle discrimination in Worcester.

The Speak Up! campaign by Worcester City Council aims to equip people with phrases to challenge prejudice in a calm and non-confrontational manner.

Phrases such as "are you aware that's not acceptable language to use?" and "how would you feel if you heard that?" are suggested to make people reconsider their words.

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The phrases have been incorporated into posters, which can be downloaded from the council's website.

The posters will also be displayed at various locations across the city, including the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, the Guildhall, and the Hive.

This initiative follows the council's extensive consultation with the public to understand the prejudices people have experienced in the city.

Councillor Robyn Norfolk, the council’s champion for equality, diversity, and inclusion, said: "Our objective was to find out how people in Worcester, in a non-threatening way, tackle uncomfortable situations or offensive remarks made towards them.

"We wanted to know how people stand up for themselves or speak up about language that makes them uncomfortable, whether it is intended or not.

"Or simply, how to ask those awkward questions without the risk of offending someone."

Over the past year, the council has spoken to residents and community groups about their experiences of discrimination based on the nine protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010.

These include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Councillor Norfolk added: "Thank you to everybody who shared their experiences and helped us to understand what is happening in Worcester.

"We hope that these key phrases will help people Speak Up and challenge offensive remarks clearly, kindly, and confidently."

The posters are based on the feedback from Worcester residents, focusing on the key themes of challenging offensive behaviour, empathy with other people's characteristics, and allyship to build a stronger community.

The launch of the Speak Up! campaign coincides with National Hate Crime Awareness Week (October 12-19).

The council is looking for organisations interested in helping to develop a Speak Up! pledge or charter.