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 encouage you to access this online guide. This guide offers practical advice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff, volunteers, and those they serve. It was developed by NACCOM, Asylum Matters, Right to Remain, and Praxis, with contributions from Hope not Hate, IMIX, and Safer Foundations. This is a living document and will be updated as best practice is refined, ensure you are accessing it via the link for the most upto-date version.

Key Areas of Focus within the guide:

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 mail with caution and avoid large in-person gatherings if safety cannot be guaranteed.    - 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 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    - Encourage awareness of local risks and the importance of staying connected with trusted community members.    - Recommend precautions such as travelling with others and keeping essential contact information readily available.    - Advise against large gatherings that 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.
• Hope Not Hate provide the attached guidance on staying safe amidst far-right violence Staying Safe amidst Far Right Violence including a section specifically for charities and community organisations
• 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 (we shared these last week). 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   

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.