Recent national events and reports of antisemitic attacks have caused real concern and distress for many people and communities across the UK. In Leeds, community organisations, faith groups and public services continue to play an important role in promoting inclusion, supporting people affected by hate, and standing together against discrimination in all its forms.
Forum Central recently shared its position statement, Standing Together Against Hate, reaffirming its commitment to inclusion, belonging and community strength across Leeds.
Read the full statement here.
The statement recognises the impact that racism, antisemitism, anti-Muslim prejudice and wider discrimination can have on people’s mental health, wellbeing and sense of safety. It also highlights the role of Third Sector organisations in supporting communities across the city, including asylum seekers, refugees and migrants, as well as people experiencing inequality and exclusion.
This wider conversation is especially important at a time when many communities are feeling anxious, targeted or unsettled by national events and rising levels of hate incidents.
A Leeds Approach to Inclusion and Community Safety
Across Leeds, there is already significant work taking place to challenge hate and discrimination.
Leeds City Council’s What Makes Us Different, Makes Us Leeds campaign promotes a city where everyone feels welcome, safe and respected. The campaign highlights different forms of discrimination, including racism, antisemitism, anti-Muslim prejudice, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, ableism and ageism, while signposting to support and action across the city.
The council’s Hate Crime Strategy also sets out a citywide ambition:
“To make Leeds a city where hate is not tolerated, victims are empowered and supported, communities stand united against hate, and all residents feel safe, valued and respected.”
Alongside this, Leeds City Council recently held its first Antisemitism Awareness Week, bringing together staff and partners to increase understanding, encourage conversation and challenge discrimination.
Community Support and Practical Resources
Forum Central’s position statement includes a wide range of resources and support organisations for communities and organisations responding to hate, discrimination and exclusion.
Key resources include:
- Leeds Migration Partnership resources
- West Yorkshire Police hate crime reporting
- Stronger Leeds Strategy 2026 to 2030
- Leeds City Council hate crime reporting
- MindWell Leeds mental health support
- Tell MAMA anti-Muslim hate support
- Community Security Trust educational resources
- Leeds GATE resources
- Stand Up To Racism Leeds
- Community Cohesion Network: Information Sharing Form
- Podcast Bridiging Divides by Sonali Shaha
Keeping Leeds Connected
Leeds has a long history of community action, solidarity and partnership working. At times of tension or uncertainty, that work becomes even more important.
Many organisations across the city continue to create safe spaces, support difficult conversations, challenge discrimination and help people feel connected and valued in their communities.
As Forum Central’s statement reminds us, building inclusion and belonging is ongoing work that requires compassion, understanding and collective action across the city.
As Jo Cox said:
“We have far more in common
than that which divides us.”
