Public Disorder - Information & Resources

Keeping our community and its people safe

In response to the recent incidents affecting our communities, we are reaching out with important information and support.

We are deeply concerned about the recent coordinated incidents targeting various communities, including Muslims, racialised communities, migrants, and those seeking safety in the UK. These events, which were fueled by misinformation, highlight a broader, long-standing issue. However, it is heartening to see our communities responding with solidarity and support.

To assist organisations and community groups in navigating these challenging times, we encourage you to consider the following areas to keep yourselves and others safe:

Key Areas of Focus:

1. Supporting People Seeking Asylum in Home Office Hotels
   - Balance information provision with sensitivity to avoid causing additional distress.
   - Emphasise the importance of security planning and clear communication.
   - Ensure hotel providers have robust safety procedures, including fire safety and lockdown plans.
   - Verify increased security measures and coordination with local police.

2. Safety for Charities and Community Groups in Service-Based Work
   - Identify safe spaces within your facilities.
   - Implement systems to prevent lone working and ensure safe travel for staff.
   - Handle post and parcels from unknown senders cautiously and avoid large in-person gatherings during times of active civic unrest.
   - Consider temporary remote working arrangements and remove identifiable branding from premises.

3. Community-Based Work Including Housing Managed in the Community
   - Communicate increased risks and safety protocols without causing undue alarm.
   - Work with local police to establish priority response measures for high-risk locations.
   - Utilise resources from Safer Foundations for comprehensive safeguarding advice.

4. Support for Individuals at Risk of Targeted Violence
   - Keep in touch with local support organisations and community groups to ensure awareness of local risks; stay connected with trusted community members.
   - Consider travelling with others, rather than alone and keeping essential contact information readily available.
   - Avoid large gatherings during high-risk times which might attract unwanted attention.

Additional Resources

• NAVCA have developed this public statement. This can be adapted locally as required if it is useful as a starting point.
• Merton Council developed a resource for talking with children about racism and traumatic events
• Protection approaches offer hate crime awareness sessions
• Health and Safety Executive have guidance on violence and aggression in the workplace 
• Muslim Council of Britain have a range of resources on mosque safety  
• Gov.UK funding for protective Security Schemes for places of worship 
• British Future provide a practical guide to messaging to combat hatred and prejudice 
• Tell Mama UK share how misinformation and disinformation about Southport spread 
• Belong Network have blogged on preventing tension and conflict in communities: preventing tension and conflict in communities and good practice on building shared ground and addressing community tensions  
• Involve share a framework on building community cohesion  
• Victim Support provide information for victims of hate crime 
• Open source guidance for young people on how to spot 'fake news' and understanding hate crime for children 
• UK Youth share these resources these resources for organisations working with young people which focus on disinformation, tackling hate and signposting to advice and support on trauma, safeguarding and lockdown procedures
• UK Trauma Council has published a range of relevant resources for those working with children and young people affected by trauma and bereavement. Some of the key pages are:   
  • https://uktraumacouncil.org/resources     
  • Critical Incidents in Educational Communities
  • Guidance on creating the best environment for recovery
  • Traumatic Bereavement for children & young people   
• British Red Cross offer workshops on Empathy and Migration and Coping With Challenges for young people. More information can be found on their web page including resources about how to talk to children about conflict:
  • How to talk to children about conflict 
  • Talking about major emergency | Secondary teaching resources 
  • Dealing with emotional and physical distress   
    

Key contacts 

• If you are facing an urgent risk or immediate threat, dial 999 to report the situation to emergency services. For non-emergency situations, dial 101 to receive guidance and support from your community safety team.  

 
Know your rights 

• Migrants’ Rights Network have assembled a variety of London local resource guides to use alongside their Know Your Rights Guide in supporting migrant Londoners amid disinformation 

 
Mental health support 

• Victim Support have responded to the violence and racist attacks by offering services to those impacted. Get support through their free Supportline on 08 08 16 89 111, start a live chat, or access My Support Space—a free, online resource to help you cope following crime. 
• Explore Healing Justice London’s Aftercare Menu to practice coping skills following a trauma or major event or watch their Anchoring Resilience workshop video 
• Tell MAMA’s anti-Muslim hate support service provides independent, confidential advice to individuals across the UK. Reach them via phone (0800 456 1226), SMS text (0115 707 00 07), WhatsApp (0734 184 6086), or e-mail (info@tellmamauk.org) to learn more. 
• The British Islamic Medical Association runs a Support Service open to BIMA members and allies, including non-clinicians in the health system. It provides legal and pastoral help to those facing threats at work relating to their Muslim identity or supporting causes such as Palestine and standing up against Islamophobia. You can email the service in confidence at support@britishima.org or call 0203 551 2497 

Property safety & crime prevention 

• Explore Muslim Council of Britain’s mosque security resources 
• Learn more about risk management through ProtectUK’s full guide to risk management 
• Read Refugee Action’s briefing for people seeking asylum in hotels.  

Reporting acts of violence & hate crime 

• In an emergency situation—where you feel like things could get heated or violent very soon or where someone is in immediate danger—always call 999. For individuals with a hearing or speech impairment, use the textphone service 1800 or text the Met on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service. 
• Read the comprehensive guide to identifying and reporting hate crime published by Muslim Council of Britain 
• You can also contact the CATCH (Communities Against Hate) Partnership for specialist advice and support.
• Get funding to enhance security at your place of worship via the Home Office's Protective Security Schemes. Thinking about applying for your Mosque, but unsure if you’d qualify? Visit Muslim Council of Britain’s comprehensive FAQ page on the scheme 
• The Met’s support for victims and witnesses of a crime page can guide you through what happens if you experience or witness crime 
• Inclusion London have a dedicated resource page on hate crime, with particular attention to support for deaf and disabled people’s organisations 

Staying up to date 

• Consider joining the VCSEP-run Community Tensions Slack channel. If you need help accessing this channel, email info@vcesp.org.uk  

Prioritising well-being is essential. The constant vigilance required to assess risks and ensure safety can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Please make sure that comprehensive support systems are available for all staff, volunteers, and service users to help them cope during these challenging times

Thank you for your continued dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive society.