Redditch Borough Council is inviting members of the community to be a part of the Holocaust Memorial Day Committee.

The Committee is made up of individuals and councillors to who come together to advise how HMD should be recognised in the Borough.

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) exists to help us honour the memory of all victims of genocide and atrocity in the world and to strive to ensure that we do not allow such things to occur again.

HMD is commemorated every January, but planning starts each autumn, and the council are looking for interested people or groups to join the Committee, which will meet monthly between September and January.

Last year a successful virtual event was delivered, in line with Government guidance at the time, and the aim is to build upon this success with a larger online community led programme, in addition to a small civic commemoration.

The council are keen to hear from individuals who would like to be involved or schools and community organisations who would like to contribute towards the online offering. It is hoped that this will help raise the profile of Holocaust Memorial Day locally and make it accessible to even more people.

Cllr Peter Fleming, Chair of the Holocaust Memorial Steering Group at Redditch Borough Council, said: “Through Holocaust Memorial Day we stand together as a community to honour the memory of victims of genocide across the world. It is important we continue to remember, recognise and learn from such atrocities.

“We are keen to expand community membership on the Committee and would particularly welcome any younger people who might be interested in getting involved. The theme for 2022 is ‘One Day’ and it provides us all with the opportunity to imagine one day in the future without genocide or to learn from one day in history.”

If you would like to be involved or would like further information, please contact Emily Payne on 01527 548284 or email equalities@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Holocaust Memorial Day itself is on January 27. For more information about the international campaign visit www.hmd.org.uk.