The racist and Islamophobic violence we are seeing up and down the country is horrifying. As the streets of our neighbourhoods and community spaces, our libraries and advice centres, are threatened and targeted, the places we call home have been made unsafe for many in our communities. In particular, racially minoritized people, Muslims, and people with experiences of the migration system have been enormously impacted by this violence.  An attack on any community is an attack on us all.

At Touchstone, we condemn all forms of hate and are deeply saddened, angered and appalled by the extreme and widespread nature of recent far-right violence. We also recognize that racism is nothing new and is embedded into our country’s history and present. For many, the current situation brings up memories of past far-right racist attacks in Yorkshire and across the UK. We condemn the years of anti-migrant, Islamophobic, and racist rhetoric, which has created a hostile environment, normalizing racism in our communities and creating a climate where such extreme violence can happen again.

At Touchstone, we stand in solidarity and love with everyone affected by this violence. Throughout this difficult time, we have watched with hope and pride as communities have come together to support one another and rebuild their neighbourhoods. Touchstone is a proud part of the Yorkshire community, and we recognize that we have a part to play in helping our communities stay safe, heal, and rebuild.

We realise the immense impact that this violence can have on both the safety and mental health of people in our communities. We welcome all people, whether long-term users of our services or newcomers, to reach out for support from Touchstone, wherever they may need it. We are here to serve our communities as best we can at this time. If you need support, we are here to help:

  • Call our office on 0113 271 8277
  • Visit our website to see what kinds of support we offer: https://touchstonesupport.org.uk/
  • If you already work with Touchstone, please reach out to your current support worker.

In the meantime, if your mental health has been affected by racism, there are some resources that can offer guidance around available support: