Reach statement on wave of recent racist violence
We are appalled by the violence, racism and Islamophobia that has been directed at people of colour and Muslim communities over the last week, and the long shadow of fear that this creates.
We know that so many people who use our service as organisations or individual volunteers to support communities across the UK will be deeply affected. We stand in full solidarity with these communities.
Equity is at the heart of Reach’s vision, and we will keep working towards a fairer, inclusive society. As an organisation focused on volunteering, we know that most people are kind and compassionate. We have seen this reflected in the way communities have come together to pick up the pieces after the riots, and we see it every day in the many people who sign up to volunteer.
At the same time, we see how racism and Islamophobia are dangerous and deeply entrenched and we recognise the need to address them in a sustained, systemic way. We believe that we need to hold on to both of these truths at the same time to achieve a fairer, kinder society. We will continue to strive for this.