Dear Colleagues and Partners of Brent,

The tragic loss of three girls in Southport has deeply affected our community. Our hearts go out to their families during this time of grief.

Over the past week, racist extremists have incited fear, division, and chaos through riots across the country. Innocent people have suffered brutal attacks, places of worship have been threatened, and hotels housing asylum seekers have been targeted. Our libraries, community hubs, and vital organisations have also felt the impact. Moreover, individuals who contribute significantly to our society have been made to feel like outsiders.

These are not mere protests or expressions of free speech. They are acts of violence perpetrated by thugs, fuelled by racial hatred and Islamophobia.

As committed workers and volunteers in a sector dedicated to community cohesion and belonging, we stand in solidarity with our colleagues and friends from the global majority who feel unsafe in their own communities. Our country owes immense gratitude to those who have chosen to live in the UK, both recently and across generations.

Amidst the violence, we have witnessed the best of our society. People from diverse backgrounds and walks of life have volunteered their time, coming together to support one another. Whether it’s helping with clean-up efforts, providing comfort, or distributing refreshments, this embodies the true spirit of our nation’s values.

We recognise that many charities will be affected, and some may fear being targeted. If you feel threatened, please seek advice from the police or your local authority, who are part of the Local Resilience Forum.

At CVS Brent, we remain fervently committed to championing equity, equality, and challenging oppression. We believe in creating safe spaces for all residents of Brent. There are resources available specifically for the Brent community containing essential information on keeping you, your organisation, and the entire community as safe as possible. Additional resources such as the Far Right Activity – Hotel Residents info sheet, along with useful contacts from colleagues at the GLA, including the Home Office and Migrant Help are attached and detailed below

Now, more than ever, we stand together with you, our community, to ensure safety, support, and resilience. If you need assistance or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

With solidarity and hope

Ronnie Comfort, Interim CEO– CVS Brent