We have been told about possible far right, racist, anti-migration activity in Central and South Manchester (as well as other parts of the UK) planned for this weekend (31st October). We know that many of our friends and supporters may be directly affected by the planned marches targeting local communities, and I’m sure all of us are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on the people we’re supporting, our housing, our staff and our wider work here at Boaz Trust. Here we share some information about the impact of what has been happening, what Boaz is doing, how to stay safe and how you can help.

Most importantly, advice on staying safe this weekend:

  • You may want to change your plans or stay home to avoid the city centre and areas where there are planned marches.
  • Call 999 in an emergency (101 for non emergency reports).
  • If you experience or witness racism, or any form of hate crime, there is helpful information on how to report it here - this link includes translated materials.
  • Right to Remain have created practical guidance in a range of languages to help people who are most at risk keep themselves safe.
  • Big Leaf Foundation has created information in a range of languages advising people what to do if someone starts filming them (this is becoming increasingly common).

What has been happening?

At Boaz we work with people who have fled persecution, violence and who have already been deeply traumatised by their experiences in their home countries, their journey to safety, and sadly, through their time navigating the asylum system in the UK. In recent weeks people we support have shared with us their experiences of racism here in Greater Manchester, experiences which are increasing in frequency. We have been horrified this month to learn that at least 50 homes have been attacked across Greater Manchester because they are perceived to be HMOs (houses in multiple occupancy), i.e. shared houses which in reality may be home to students, young professionals, people leaving prison and individuals who have experienced homelessness, as well as people waiting for a decision on their asylum claim and those recently granted refugee status.

How is this racism and violence impacting Boaz and what are we doing about it?

This increased racist activity is having a significant impact on the people we support, our staff and Boaz Trust's work as a whole. As an organisation we are dedicating time and resources to help people stay safe:

  • We have shared information with people we support about the possible events, as well as advice and guidance on how they can keep themselves safe.
  • Over the last several months, we have reviewed all our internal risk assessments and created new protocols so we can act quickly in the event of an emergency.
  • We have implemented new lone working processes for staff, including safety devices, and our team has attended training sessions and security workshops by external organisations.
  • We regularly attend community safety meetings with partners in the voluntary and statutory sector where we share our experience and concerns.
  • We offer our staff external specialist support, as well as internal support and flexibility, to help our team look after themselves during this difficult time.

We are especially grateful for partner organisations with whom we can share learning, experience and solidarity at this time as well as individuals and organisations who support our work in many different ways.

If you want to do something, but you’re not sure what:

Write to your MP. Doing so allows parliamentarians to learn more about the impact that asylum and immigration policies have on people’s lives. It’s a crucial time for people seeking safety in the UK. With a major rollback of asylum and refugee rights forthcoming in the Immigration and Asylum Bill currently making its way through parliament, and the anticipated proposals around earned settlement making it much harder for people to build a life here in the UK, now more than ever we need MPs to understand the impact that policies, and rhetoric, have on people’s lives. You can find out more about the Immigration and Asylum Bill, as well as a policy briefing to share with your MP, here. It’s important that our MPs hear from people who want to support and welcome those seeking safety in our communities.

Unsure as to whether advocacy makes a difference? It really does. For months now we have been meeting with parliamentarians about the Immigration and Asylum Bill and earned settlement proposals and the impact that both will have on driving up levels of destitution and homelessness. This article shows that ministers in the Home Office share our concerns! This goes to show that advocacy work can, and does, make a difference.

Other ways to respond:

  • Look out for and check in with your friends and neighbours.
  • Reiterate messages of solidarity and welcome where you can, with friends, family, workplaces, schools, churches and other faith based groups.
  • Depending on what happens on Saturday, there may be specific opportunities to volunteer and share resources within local communities directly affected.
  • Prayer. As a faith-based organisation, prayer is important to many of us. We pray for our communities, for peace and safety, for protection over those who are most at risk and for changes in the hearts and minds of those who seek to harm others.

The retraumatising impact of the current social and political climate cannot be overstated. We know from our work during the last 20 years that housing, safety and belonging are interconnected, and our hearts are broken by what is happening. We also recognise that these hateful views are held by a minority of people in our country- even though they can be very vocal. We are proud to stand in solidarity with so many organisations and individuals who believe - as we do - that Greater Manchester is a place where people are welcomed and we will always stand with people seeking safety, no matter how hard that sometimes might become. We also know that building connection and community resilience is crucial, and next year we’ll be looking to develop ways to do that through our work at Boaz.

Thank you for standing with us and with people seeking safety here in our communities, we’re so grateful for your support.