Forum Central amplifies the Leeds message of unity, anti-racism and support for one another. This news post collates resources, links to support and statements shared by the third sector, health and statutory partners.
Racism, hate and abuse has no place in our City, or our society.
Forum Central supports the statements shared over the past few weeks in light of recent events which have been incredibly distressing, and deeply affected many of us; as individuals, communities, third sector organisations and our workforce.
The coming together and rapid response of authorities, community leaders and third sector organisations, which Forum Central has been part of, has been incredibly reassuring. Although we understand that this cannot and has not eradicated the views and emboldened actions of a minority who have caused significant harm.
Misinformation was at the centre of how events unfolded in Leeds, and thankfully there was not widespread violence, but that does not take away from the reality of the harm, fear, abuse and the lasting impact that has been caused, and which continues.
Racism is still prevalent in our society and collectively, we must be proactive allies and anti-racists.
These violent and intimidating actions are from a minority of misguided individuals who do not represent the majority of kind and caring people in our wonderfully diverse city of Leeds. Sadly, abuse and racially motivated incidents and attacks still happen every day, and whilst this may be a time of heightened threat, we mustn’t overlook the fact that this is an all too familiar experience for many. The issues of racism, discrimination, abuse and even stereotypical assumptions are very real, and gravely concerning. Although it can feel like ‘big issues’ which are out of anyone’s individual control, what we can each do is:
- Report ALL incidents: Report a Hate Crime in West Yorkshire
- Foster a culture of reporting and ‘calling it out’
- Respectfully and genuinely check in with one another
- Listen to people’s experiences and perspectives
- Not minimise people’s experiences or excuse behaviours
- Undertake cultural competency training to ‘unlearn’ racism
- Strive to be actively anti-racist in all of our actions
- Be kind
Forum Central strives to support our member organisations and workers in the health and social care VCSE sector above all. Supporting each other in the workplace environment as well as the communities you support is equally important. We hope that the supportive nature of our network and peer relationships have offered some comfort through this challenging time. Please get in touch with your Forum Central contact as and when you need to.
Statements and communications shared by the third sector, health and statutory partners:
- TSL Briefing: Far Right Unrest and follow-up email Third sector response to Far Right unrest
- West Yorkshire ICB Statement by Rob Webster and Fatima Khan-Shah
- West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership – Support for staff and allies
- Leeds City Council statement calling for unity and acceptance
- Letter issued by Steve Dodds, Chief Superintendent, Leeds District Commander, West Yorkshire Police, 8 August 2024
- Bradford District joint statement
Bringing these statements together is an attempt to show that all parts of the system in Leeds and beyond take these incidents seriously and are working together to try to keep people and communities safe, and to combat this latest eruption of far right unrest.
Resources, tools, and sources of practical and emotional support
Practical advice for organisations:
- Practical Self-Assessment Questions for VCSE to assess review and respond to risk (word document)
- Charity Commission guidance and support
- NCVO, NAVCA and Locality have issued statements and collated resources which may be helpful.
- Organisations can request access to the West Yorkshire Police Partnership Intelligence Portal (PIP) for use by organisations, not the general public.
- City of Sanctuary links:
Emotional support:
- WY Partnership Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub for health and social care employees and volunteers
- MindWell – the mental health website for Leeds
- Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service – for all aged 17+ who are registered with a Leeds GP
- Leeds Health and Care Academy Welfare Officer for health and care employees (including VCSE sector) in Leeds
Reporting hate crimes:
- Call West Yorkshire Police on 101 or in an emergency call 999. Or use the online form: Report a Hate Crime in West Yorkshire
- Stop Hate UK 24 hour helpline
- Tell MAMA – Reporting Muslim Attacks
- On Your Side – East and Southeast Asian community support to report
Information which may be useful for some of the people you support:
- Translatable information for people fearful of or at risk of being directly targeted by far-right violence (google doc) with instructions on how to translate from the Migration Partnership.
- Easy Read news about the riots in the UK from United Response
- Racial Justice Network Tips to Stay Safe and message of solidarity
Forum Central continues to work in hope that kindness will conquer hate, and acceptance will replace intolerance.
Thank you to all colleagues, partners, trustees, staff and volunteers who have been a positive force for good over these past few weeks, your words and actions are appreciated and help to make a difference.
