Large anti-racist protests were held in several locations last night, with around 1,000 people gathering in Liverpool to protect an asylum charity from rioters.
ITN footage shows a crowd gathered outside Asylum Link Merseyside, which had issued a statement ahead of the riots, saying it had been made aware of threats to its building.
“As a charity working in the Liverpool area for decades we are shocked and dismayed by the violent threats towards our staff, volunteers and service users, and the potential damage to our neighbourhood,” its statement read.
“Counteracting this is the massive upsurge of support our community has offered, both physical and moral: we are not alone and hate will never win.”
Like several other charities this week, Asylum Link Merseyside has closed its building due to “threats of far-right violence”.
It was also one of more than 240 charities that work with refugees and asylum seekers who signed a statement condemning the violent anti-migrant attacks that have been taking place around the country.
Other signatories included Freedom from Torture, Refugee Action, Refugee Council and Safe Passage International.
Services cancelled
Another charity that closed its doors this week was Volunteer Glasgow, which shut down its office and cancelled a drop-in session yesterday.
We will unfortunately be closing our office tomorrow and cancelling this week's Drop-In at @SkillsDevScot. pic.twitter.com/fxsfLjOIJW
— Volunteer Glasgow (@volunteerglasgo) August 6, 2024
A charity in the north-east of England reportedly also temporarily closed its doors and cancelled planned events for asylum seekers while images show a Samaritans charity shop boarded up its windows in preparation for yesterday’s events.
A Citizens Advice office in Sunderland was also badly damaged following riots in the city and across the country over the weekend, and a fundraiser has since raised around £15,000 to help.
NCVO’s chief executive Sarah Elliott said: “Charities across the country are experiencing challenges to their everyday operations because of the riots taking place across the country.
“We know from speaking to some of our members that many are concerned about the threat of violence against their organisations, staff, volunteers, and service users.
“As a result, many charities are considering a range of measures to ensure safety, including reducing services, asking staff to work from home, and in some cases temporarily closing their offices.
“Many areas of the sector have been impacted, including faith-based organisations and those who deliver asylum and refugee services. Youth charities have also been affected, with some summer clubs and breakfast clubs forced to close, leaving those who need support the most without vital services.
“Some have decided to close as a precaution due to social media threats, while others have shut down out of understandable fear.
“The true scale of the impact on charities is yet to be understood, but we do know that when these riots end, they will be more needed than ever.
“It’s crucial that organisations get the support they need to stay safe during this challenging time, and we, as well as a number of our partners, are doing everything we can to support the sector.
“We’ve provided help and guidance on our website, and we encourage any charity leaders and trustees to reach out to us, the Charity Commission, or the VCS Emergencies Partnership if they have any questions.”
Regulator: Charity leaders face tough choices
Meanwhile, the Charity Commission issued a statement yesterday in which it said many charities had been responding to the riots with “courage and optimism”.
“Despicably, charities in turn are not immune from becoming targets for, or affected by, violence and aggression,” it reads.
“Mosques and other charitable places of worship have been targeted, and other charities have become victims of mindless vandalism.
“Some charity leaders now face tough choices, weighing up the importance of their day-to-day activities against the challenges of keeping beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and premises safe from harm.”
The Commission said it recognises that some charities are responding to unfamiliar circumstances and unclear risks.
“What matters is that trustees make decisions in good faith, guided by their charity’s best interests and act reasonably on the information available,” it reads.
David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Commission, said: “I want to thank all those trustees, staff and volunteers who over recent days have countered hate with unity and hope, whether in word or action.
“This is one of those times in our country when charities demonstrate the difference they make in communities and the ways in which they strengthen our society. You have my thanks, and my support.
“As your regulator, we are here to guide and support all charities, and ensure that you know where to turn when you need support. I encourage trustees to use our guidance, reach out to our contact centre or use some of the sector’s umbrella bodies and other sources of advice.”
The regulator’s statement notes its safeguarding guidance includes a section on how to handle and report incidents and concerns.
“Charities should not hesitate to call emergency services if their staff, volunteers or beneficiaries face abuse, feel threatened, or are in danger,” it adds.
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