Following far-right activity across the country in recent months, the voluntary and community sector (VCS) has come together to respond.

Letter to the prime minister
Along with over 160 VCS organisations, Hackney CVS has signed an open letter to the prime minister urging the government to challenge hatred and division spread by the far-right. The letter warns that charity staff working in anti-racism and equality organisations have been subject to increased abuse. Read letter

Impact on the sector
Many VCS organisations have had to introduce extensive security measures to protect staff and property. The Guardian newspaper recently stated: “Refugee and asylum seeker charities, Muslim, Jewish and ethnic minority organisations, women’s groups, youth bodies, homelessness charities and even charity shops have reported being subject to violence, threats and abuse.” Read article

Resources from Hope Not Hate 
The charity Hope Not Hate has produced online resources to help organisations respond to the threat of far-right activity. View resources

Our Festival of Flags exhibition
At Hackney CVS, we recently installed an exhibition, pictured above, of flags of African and Caribbean nations. The exhibition, outside our office on Dalston Lane, celebrates Black History Season and makes a stand against far-right racism, hate and division. Read more