Culture secretary Lisa Nandy has written to civil society organisations to thank them for their work in response to the recent riots after meeting charity sector bodies this week.
On Wednesday, Nandy met representatives from NCVO, ACEVO, Citizen’s Advice, Middlesborough CVS, NAVCA, UK Youth, Refugee Action, West Midlands Muslim community leaders and World Jewish Relief as part of a roundtable chaired by Sue Gray, chief of staff to the prime minister.
Nandy then wrote to civil society and youth organisations yesterday, thanking them for “doing everything in your power to bring people together and provide light in a time of darkness for many”.
She said she understood the “serious risks” organisations faced, including protecting their staff and volunteers, but encouraged them to “continue to step up and use your unique place within local networks, and identify others who can help amplify those messages”.
“For my part, my ministers, officials and I will continue to support the work you do. You have an indispensable role in fostering cohesion and countering hatred, and we are committed to creating the space to listen to how we can work most effectively together, in both the short and long term, to bring communities back together and heal divisions,” her letter reads.
‘Your continued efforts are so crucial’
Nandy said in her letter: “Your continued efforts, at both a national and local level, are so crucial, particularly where people who are already vulnerable are put at even greater risk.
“So, I wanted to thank each and every one of you, and the teams that stand behind you, for your continued commitment to work in and support your communities through this difficult time.
“Trying to heal divisions while keeping your staff, volunteers and premises safe is a challenge none of you should have to face and I recognise various organisations are having to make tough decisions daily.
“If you do have questions or would like extra guidance, the Charity Commission offers some clear guidance alongside a helpline.
“The work you do offers hope in these most challenging times. Many of you are already using your influence to call for peace and unity, offering priceless comfort and reassurance to those who are scared and worried about the future.
“I also understand the serious risks that can be posed to you as carriers for these messages. Your ability to communicate as authentic partners, embedded in your communities, is unmatched.
“As such, I would urge you to continue to step up and use your unique place within local networks, and identify others who can help amplify those messages.”
Sector bodies: Collaborative partnership ‘vital’
In response to the letter, NCVO’s chief executive Sarah Elliott said: “In times of challenge, and without question, charities and voluntary organisations step up and support the people who need them most.
“Their quick action in response to the recent riots across the country has been no different.
“Charities and voluntary organisations have been central to calling out hate and injustice, providing support and safety to those at risk, and bringing communities together.
“While this ongoing situation is far from over, it’s encouraging to hear the secretary of state share words of support and gratitude for the work charities have done so far, and to recognise the role our sector will play in fostering cohesion and creating positive change for our communities in the future.
“Having a collaborative partnership between civil society and government is vital to delivering the change we all want to see, and this letter is another strong signal that the new government is committed to developing that crucial relationship.”
Jane Ide, chief executive of ACEVO, said: “The events that we have witnessed over the past week have been shocking and traumatic – and for the first time we have seen charities and civil society organisations explicitly targeted by those who choose to spread hatred and violence, as well as many others being caught up in the implications.
“While much of the content of the discussion at Number 10 was painful and difficult to hear, the commitment shown by Sue Gray on behalf of the prime minister to listening to, learning from and working with civil society both in the immediate response and in the long term work of healing and rebuilding communities was one of the many shafts of light in a dark and difficult week.
“Receiving this clear statement of appreciation and support from the secretary of state further reinforces our trust that this government is serious in its intent to work with civil society in addressing the very real issues that face our communities and our country.
“We will continue to work with our colleagues in government to reflect the voices of our members and to convene the power of civil society in responding to those issues.”
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