Charities to support in the wake of far-right violent riots

As you probably have seen on the news, there has been an eruption of far-right violence targeted at the Global Majority, particularly those assumed to be Muslim, across the UK. In one incident in Hull, an Asian man’s car was attacked by a group of so-called ‘protestors’. In Liverpool, a Muslim man was stabbed in his hand just before the start of far-right riots. In Tamworth, police are trying to find those responsible for ‘violent disorder’ targeted at a Holiday Inn known for providing accommodation for those seeking asylum.  

I don’t know how you feel, but I for one feel helpless in the face of this violence. When racism feels hopeless, there are charities providing hope, with people coming together to reduce discrimination and hatred. For those looking to help, there are charities that you can support. Here are a few examples to point you in the right direction.  

Show Racism the Red Card 

This is an educational anti-racist charity established in 1996. On 5th August, it released a statement condemning the racist riots, stating that the charity ‘recognises the threat of the far right and will continue to work to challenge racism’. The charity’s educational hub offers free resources that teachers and trainers can use to promote anti-racism. You can also donate to the charity via its website.  

Anthony Walker Foundation 

This foundation was established in 2006 after the racist murder of Anthony Walker in Liverpool. It offers support services and reporting services to people who have been affected or who have witnessed racially motivated crimes. You can donate to the foundation via its website. 

The Refugee Council 

Launched in 1951, this charity works with and for refugees and people seeking asylum. It runs and promotes campaigns calling for a fairer asylum system, runs conversational English sessions and supports other Refugee Community Organisations. There are many ways to get involved, including volunteering and also donating. For more information, visit the website. 

Runnymede Trust 

This trust relies on donations from individual donors and grants from foundations to keep producing important anti-racist research that addresses structural racism in the UK. Some of its most famous work includes uncovering the Windrush scandal! In response to the racist riots, Shabna Begum, CEO of Runnymede, authored an open letter calling for parliament to be recalled that has been signed by 80 anti-racist and migrants’ rights organisations. You can donate to the trust via its website.  

Baobab Foundation 

This recently established grant-maker supports grassroot racial justice groups and movements through grants and networking opportunities. If you do not identify as being from the Global Majority but want to support the foundation, you can contact info@baobabfoundation.org.uk, who will be able to give you advice on becoming a Radical Friend or a Solidarity Partner. You can also contact the foundation using this email address if you would like to donate.  

Muslim Charities Forum  

 The forum is a membership organisation for Muslim-led charities established in 2007. It aims to create a stronger British Muslim charity sector. Currently, there are over 450 member charities and community groups, all of which have access to the forum’s useful resources, such as training sessions and research reports. The forum’s website posts volunteering opportunities on behalf of its members. You can also make donations to the forum here. 

Race Equality Foundation  

This foundation, which became an independent charity in 2006, wants to help build a British future where Global Majority people in the UK have equal access to, and outcomes from, public services, especially with regards to health. To achieve this, it collaborates with organisations such as universities, statutory authorities and other non-profits. Since the outbreak of violence, the foundation has been doing lots to support affected communities. It is one of the approximately 80 organisations that have signed Shabna Begum’s open letter to the Prime Minister.The foundation also praised the large turnout of anti-racist protestors that had demonstratedon Wednesday 7th August around the nation. For ways of supporting the Race Equality Foundation, you can visit the website here.  

Practical actions in the workplace and community 

Besides supporting charities and other community groups, I encourage us all to reach out to friends, family and colleagues that are in badly affected areas and/or who are of colour. Checking in and seeing how they are means a lot and shows solidarity. Or, if you don’t want to approach anyone directly, simply letting people know that you are available for a chat is enough!  

In an email titled ‘Time to Stand Together, Fadi Itani OBE, CEO of the Muslim Charities Forum, encourages people within the charity sector to participate in community efforts to ‘clean up’ and rebuild after violent riots. Showing solidarity with Muslim communities, for example, by rebuilding mosque walls and cleaning our streets, is important because it undermines hatred.  

This violence will subside eventually. Obviously, this does little to reassure racialised communities and the end of the riots will not bring with it the end of structural racism. Thus, our sector has a ‘leading role’ in bolstering efforts to promote anti-racism and advocate for the rights and wellbeing of people who have been marginalised and discriminated against. We will stand together against racism.