Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group statement on racist and Islamophobic violence
The Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group joins the sector and our partners in condemning the racist, anti-immigrant, Islamophobic and xenophobic attacks and rhetoric we have seen in recent days.
We stand with our colleagues, communities and all of those targeted by the reprehensible actions and behaviour of this vocal minority.
Only through respect and inclusivity will we address the real inequalities in our city region.
Given the ongoing situation we would advise everyone to be aware of risks to their safety and to the safety of those around them. We encourage colleagues to support and check in with each other and to share examples of togetherness and strength in our communities.
We believe now is the time for a social movement wave of change that we can foster within our communities. By focusing our efforts on positive actions and community building, we can create a stronger, more unified response to these challenges.
Every day in our sector we see examples of who we are and the values we cherish, the actions of this minority will not undermine our work or unity.
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
Local Infrastructure Organisations
To be kept to be kept up to date with relevent localised communication and resources, please connect with your local infrastructure organisation
Bolton – Bolton CVS
Bury – Bury VCFA
Manchester – Macc
Oldham – Action Together
Rochdale – Action Together
Salford – Salford CVS
Stockport – Sector 3
Tameside – Action Together
Trafford – Thrive Trafford
Wigan – Groundwork and Wigan and Leigh Community Charity
For more information on VCFSE infrastructure organisations see here https://www.10gm.org.uk/local-areas.html.
Charty Commission
The Charity Commission has released a statement which includes safeguarding guidance and a section on how to handle and report incidents and concerns.
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:
- Information about the key far-right organisations and individuals with an anti-migrant focus and their tactics
- Guide to online safety and security for temporary asylum accomodation
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:
- Communicate with them, raise their awareness and make sure you give them up to date guidance on how to keep themselves and others safe
- Consider travel times and routes
- Be careful about your brand and how that brand identity may put your people at risk
- Review your policies, contact details and emergency plans
Protect your properties:
- Review your business continuity plans
- Consider guidance on what makes your buildings safer… recognising some are quick fixes, but many may take longer to implement
- Don’t forget the vacant buildings – these can be easy targets
