It is horrifying to see far-right, racist, Islamophobic and anti-migrant violence in parts of the UK. These attacks are an extension of the scapegoating and vilifying of migrants, Muslims, Black people and people of colour, and minoritised communities which many of our grant partners work so hard to challenge every day. We stand with you and with all organisations carrying out this vital work, and are inspired by the communities that are coming together to protect and support each other.
Like many funders, we know that these attacks are having a significant impact on our grant partners. Yesterday we wrote to all our grant partners to let them know that our thoughts are with them and the communities they work with, and to ask them to get in touch with us if they require any urgent support that we might be able to address.
We would like to be as supportive as possible, so we want to reassure you that:
- We are open to changes in delivering work funded by LEF. This is always true, but we recognise that dealing with current pressures may mean changes have to happen at very short notice without time to talk to us first.
- We can be flexible about the timing for work funded by LEF, as well as the dates for reporting to us.
- We recognise this is a rapidly changing situation and we do not expect grant partners to keep us regularly informed of developments, but are keen to hear from partners if there are ways we can help.
Along with over 240 other organisations working with refugees and asylum seekers, we have also signed
the joint response to anti-migrant violence coordinated by Together With Refugees.
