We oppose and strongly condemn the anti-migrant protests, and the racist rhetoric we now see on a daily basis across our media. The recent far-right street protest in London has left us shocked, angry and concerned. We know this affects many young people we exist to serve, the workforce who support them, and the communities in which they work. We stand in solidarity.

For our funded partners: we know the prevailing sentiment and protests are making your projects harder to deliver, particularly for people working with refugees and asylum seekers. Please rest assured that we want to do all we can to help you during this time, and can be flexible with your grant. Please reach out to your Grant Manager if you would like to make any changes.

If you are affected, these resources may be of use:

Organisations

HOPE not hate hosts a variety of resources, including:

• Guides to online safety for activists and security for organisations working in temporary asylum accommodation.
• Advice on staying safe amidst far right violence for organisations, community groups and people fearful of being targeted.  
• Resources for teachers who want to tackle far right extremism in schools including topics the signs of hate, extreme misogyny and radicalisation in schools.
• Guidance from Asylum Matters, Praxis and Refugee Action for asylum seekers and refugees who have concerns about far-right violence. Available in a wide range of languages.

Educate Against Hate is a Government advice site with trusted resources to help safeguard students from radicalisation, build resilience to all types of extremism and to promote  shared values.

The Network of Regional Youth Units, UK Youth and the National Youth Agency produced a useful list of resources to support young people after unrest, disinformation and violence and has guidance on physical security in youth work settings.

My Pockets - Just Ignore it film about racism produced by young people, with corresponding anti-racist flyer and anti-racism policy for schools. 

Funded partners

For funded partners working with asylum seekers and refugees, we know the prevailing sentiment and protests are making your projects harder to deliver. 

Please rest assured that we want to do all we can to help you and the young people you’re working with, and can be flexible with your grant. Please reach out to your Grant Manager if you would like to make any changes. 

Support for individuals and young people

• Barnardo’s have a free Boloh helpline offering advice, mental health and practical support to adult asylum seekers.
• Samaritans has a helpline that is contactable 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to talk about anything that is upsetting you.
• Young Minds have information, support and guides for people experiencing mental health.
• Music Minds Matter offer everyone working in the industry tools and support to stay mentally well. Their number is 0808 802 8008.
• Music Support Helpline is managed by mental health-trained peers with lived experience, for anyone working within music and live events. Their number is 0800 030 6789.
• Muslim Youth Helpline provides faith and culturally sensitive support for young Muslims. Their number is 0808 808 2008.
• Black Minds Matter connects Black individuals and families with free professional mental health services across the UK.
• Kazzum Arts have a signposting page with a wide range of resources for young refugees and asylum seekers.  
• Rainbow Migration provides practical and emotional support for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum.
• The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network is on online directory of counsellors and psychotherapists across the UK.

Victims of crime

• Victim Support has a free support line to victims of crime – including young people. Their number is 08 08 16 89 111. They also have a live chat function.
• If anyone has experienced a Hate Crime, you can report this online though True Vision where you do not have to visit a police station. Alternatively, Stop Hate UK has a confidential and independent 24 hour helpline service to report all forms of hate crime and discrimination and to get help and support. Please note that this service is only available in some parts of the UK.

Safer Protesting

• Liberty has guidance on practical protest tips to keep you and others safe, as well as 'protest bust cards' in different languages to help people exercise their legal right to protest.
• Stand up to racism organises rallies, campaigns and protests to counter racism and the far right. 

If there is a resource that you think should be added to this page, please email grants@youthmusic.org.uk. This page also contains a multitude of anti-racist information and recommended reading. Thank you.