After a weekend of upheaval, more far-right protests were planned to occur across the UK yesterday (August 7) – including one in Birmingham. Thousands of police officers were mobilised to protect communities, while hundreds of counter-protesters came together in the Jewellery Quarter last night in solidarity against the far right… who didn’t show up.
The Refugee and Migrant Centre on Frederick Street was one of many locations rumoured to be a far-right target, with countless shops, restaurants and bars in the area closed for the day. Much like in Birmingham, thousands all over the country turned up as a united front against racism. Yet, it’s highly likely this isn’t the end of the trouble.
In times like this, it can be hard to know how to act or how to support your local communities. By no means is this an exhaustive guide, but hopefully these resources and tips will help you support those near and dear to you, friends, neighbours and the wider locality (please share this article with your family and friends). Just remember to keep yourself safe above all else.
Support local community fundraisers
There are a few GoFundMe’s set up to repair the weekend’s damage: one for Liverpool’s Spellow Lane Library Hub, another for a car set alight in Middlesbrough, and more for several cafés in Belfast here and here.
Donate to anti-racism charities
Countering these racist protests isn’t going to end the problem, unfortunately. The root causes of racism run deep, and the best way to combat it is by donating to relevant charities that are equipped to take the necessary steps to invoke change.
Exit Hate – Supports individuals to leave extremism, as well as affected families
Hope not Hate – Campaigns against racism and fascism
Stand Up to Racism UK – has set up a Stop the Far Right: Emergency Unity Fund for organising protests, holding events, and producing materials to fight racism
Stop Hate UK – The UK’s only free dedicated 24-hour anti-hate crime reporting service
Donate to refugee organisations
With everything happening so fast, it’s easy to forget that these far-right protests are targeted at asylum seekers and refugees. You may consider also donating to the organisations in the UK providing relief and support to those in need.
British Red Cross – The UK’s largest independent provider of services and support for refugees and people seeking asylum
Care4Calais – It offers aid to refugees in the UK, France and Belgium.
Migrant Voice – A migrant-led organisation for developing the skills of migrants to speak up for themselves.
Migrants Organise – A platform for refugees and migrants offering advice and support, as well as grassroots organising
Refugee Action – Helps refugees ‘build safe, happy and productive lives in the UK’
Refugee Council – Helped 15,851 refugees and people seeking asylum last year
Women for Refugee Women – Working to support and empower refugee women to tell their own stories and campaign for a fairer asylum system
Young Roots – A London-based charity working with young refugees and asylum seekers aged 11-25
Protest against the far right (if safe)
The best way to protect our communities from the far-right disorder is to show a united front of love and support for all. While taking part in a counter-protest is an option available to us, we do advise taking careful consideration when deciding if this is how you’d like to support your community, as previous demonstrations over the weekend have resulted in violence. Do not go down alone and do not attend if you’re worried about your safety, especially people of colour.
On Saturday, August 10, Stand Up to Racism UK has also called for a national day of protest “for mass anti-racist resistance in every town and city to push back the fascists. If there’s a far-right demo in your area, call the counter. If not, call a protest to say they’re never welcome.” An alternative you can always do is help your community with clean-ups the morning after if things turn violent.
For more on protesting, everything from organising to legal advice, the human rights advocacy group Liberty has plenty of tips here.
Check in with your mates
Whether you’re going to a protest or doom-scrolling through endless news articles and videos, your physical and mental well-being should be your first priority – especially if you’re a person of colour, migrant or another marginalised group.
This is also a good time to check in on your friends/neighbours/colleagues most affected by these rallies – building community is our greatest strength in the face of hate. The Mental Health Foundation will have all manner of resources that can help, alongside Mind, who are providing resources to those whose mental health have been affected as a result of racism.
If you are concerned that someone you know is (or flirting with the idea of) joining these far-right rallies, it’s also worth trying to talk to them in a *calm* manner. But again, don’t put yourself in harm’s way – both Hope not Hate and Exit Hate Trust can help with more information on how to deal with helping you tackle far-right extremism among your family and friends.