Our statement on racist and Islamophobic violence

We join so many others in condemning the disgusting violence aimed at members of our communities and people across the country because of their race, faith or asylum status.

Action Together stands with everyone affected by racism and Islamophobia. People will be facing fears about what they wear, sending their children to school, going to work, or going to pray. We share this concern as our staff, families and communities are also affected by it.

It’s important to recognise that the last week’s disorder has not arisen from nowhere. Racism and Islamophobia have been legitimised at high levels in our society, with migrants scapegoated to distract from systemic failings to address poverty and inequality. Poverty and inequality are issues that sadly unite all our communities, but it is now Muslim and migrant communities who face the violent repercussions of others’ decisions. We want to see the end of scapegoating and division and an increase in support for the people and organisations who are uniting our communities.

We reiterate our commitment to supporting the essential work the voluntary and community sector does to create strong, compassionate, safe places to live. We have long standing relationships with faith groups and organisations supporting migrant communities, refugees and asylum seekers, and are members to the Together With Refugees campaign. We see the work local organisations do every day to confront fear and hatred with kindness and hope, many led by migrants to the UK and people experiencing racial inequalities. If you’d like to find out more about our work in these spaces, please contact us.

We are working with local partners to ensure information and support is available to those that need it, and putting measures in place to ensure the safety of our staff. We would encourage everyone to rely on legitimate sources of information and not to engage with those who seek to divide.

Thank you to all the volunteers, voluntary organisations and others who respond to hate and intimidation with hope. We see the essential work you do and offer our support and solidarity. It’s important to remember that it is a small minority of people engaging in racist violence, and we’re confident the majority of us will respond by coming together and showing the strength of our communities.

This is our initial response but not the end of our action, and we will continue to represent and advocate for local voluntary, community and faith organisations to have the resources and support they need.

Find information below from local and national sources. We will update this information as we receive it.

Information, Resources and Support

Reporting a hate crime

  • Call 999 if it’s an emergency or if there is immediate danger
  • Call 101 if there is no immediate danger
  • Textphone 18001 101
  • Visit a police station or report it online to GMP
  • Visit a third party reporting centre, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau

 

Addressing misinformation

Rumours and misinformation are adding to fears in communities. Intelligence about potential targets can change quickly, but there are agencies working to monitor any credible threats and to share information to keep people safe.

One way to ensure you are getting accurate information is to sign up to Bee in the Loop. This is a Greater Manchester Police service which offers up to date information and can send alerts about activity in your area – sign up here

 

Staying Safe Amidst Far-Right Violence – HOPE not Hate

This guide includes information for:

  • Organisations supporting people seeking asylum in Home Office hotels
  • Charities and community groups on centre and service based safety
  • Charities and community groups on community based work, including housing managed in the community
  • People fearful of or at risk of being targeted by far-right violence

You can request the guide here.

HOPE not Hate have other resources on their website, including:

 

Protective Security Scheme for Mosques

The government have reopened applications for the Protective Security Scheme for Mosques to provide funding to protect places of worship against hate crime.

The Muslim Council of Britain produced an FAQ about the scheme and also have also developed resources including guidance for addressing far-right extremism and Islamophobia at Friday prayers.

 

Support for victims of hate crimes and far-right violence

Victim Support have issued a statement and are offering support to those impacted via their free supportline on 08 08 16 89 111, or by starting a live chat any time, or accessing My Support Space – a free online resource containing interactive guides and videos to help you after crime.

They also have specific guidance on reporting hate crime and support available.

 

VCS Emergencies Partnership

VCS Emergencies Partnership issued the following advice and links for VCFSE organisations:

Safety and security of your staff, volunteers and the people you support is paramount, the Emergencies Partnership have pulled together a few basic suggestions that partners may want to consider: 

Prioritise your people:

  1. Communicate with them, raise their awareness and make sure you give them up to date guidance on how to keep themselves and others safe 
  2. Consider travel times and routes 
  3. Be careful about your brand and how that brand identity may put your people at risk 
  4. Review your policies, contact details and emergency plans 

Protect your properties:

  1. Review your business continuity plans 
  2. Consider guidance on what makes your buildings safer… recognising some are quick fixes, but many may take longer to implement (more details below) 
  3. Don’t forget the vacant buildings – these can be easy targets 

 

We hope the following resources are helpful: