Hate has no place in the capital: A message from London Youth
07 August 2024
London Youth stands in support for our family of youth workers in the capital and anybody from a minoritised background who is experiencing aggression. Many may have seen or witnessed mindless attacks in their communities. We think particularly of young people and the youth sector workforce in clubs supporting young immigrants and refugees, who are so widely represented across the capital.
Racism and Islamophobia didn’t arrive upon us in the last week. But what we are seeing now are people feeling emboldened to attack and intimidate on a national scale. It is abhorrent that we have seen violence and antagonism directed at those who are most marginalised in our society by those seeking a scapegoat for their own grievances – and that the Southport murders of three innocent young children should have been used as a catalyst for violent and destructive behaviour.
We stand alongside youth organisations and young people in the capital against hate, against racism, and against violence. Young people need trusted relationships with their youth workers and the safe spaces offered by youth organisations more than ever. During challenging times, the dedicated youth workforce across the capital supports young people’s mental health and resilience, strengthens community cohesion, and helps young people shape the kind of city they want for the future.
We join all our member youth organisations, young people and partners in the capital in condemning those who have engaged in violent, divisive disorder and in seeking a swift cessation of these hateful acts.
— Pauline Daniyan, Chief Executive, London Youth
Tools to support youth workers and young people
We will update the section below to reflect the latest resources, signposting and session sign-up links available to our members, youth professionals and those working with young people.
RESOURCES
Resources for Youth Workers and Allied Professionals
Following the devastating incident in Southport and escalating concerns about disinformation, discrimination and violence across the UK, the National Youth Agency, UK Youth, the Network of Regional Youth Work Units and others are providing a coordinated response to the network of youth organisations and allied professionals working with young people across the UK.
This includes resources for youth workers and allied professionals that focus on tackling hate and signposting to advice and support on trauma, safeguarding and lock down procedures.
Download useful sector assets here: Resources [drive.google.com]
Access resources sourced from a network of youth organisations across the UK, designed to help us all support young people and our communities following recent unrest. Resources [docs.google.com]
Guidance for youth workers following a traumatic community event
Traumatic community events such as the one experienced in Southport deeply impact young people, communities and those who work closely with them. Youth workers play a crucial role in providing immediate and long-term support in helping young people process their experiences.
You can download the NYA’s Guidance for those working with young people following a traumatic community event
NYA Safeguarding resources
For more information on guidance, support and safeguarding training and resources please visit the NYA Safeguarding hub here.
