Statement on behalf of the VCSE sector in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

On behalf of the VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) sector in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, we collectively condemn the racist intolerance, hatred and violence we’ve seen erupting across the United Kingdom including in neighbouring Plymouth.

As an alliance of VCSE organisations and groups, we stand united in solidarity with all people and communities targeted by those with racist, Islamophobic and xenophobic ideologies.  We offer our support to colleagues and organisations across our sector, who are working tirelessly to ensure a hate-free Cornwall and support those facing appalling violence and abuse.

Our thoughts are with the community in Southport who are grieving the tragic deaths of three little girls whose deaths have been hijacked by far-right extremists to perpetuate false narratives and spread hate and division.

As a sector, we stand for inclusion, compassion and support for all communities and especially those marginalised, ignored or subjected to abuse and discrimination. This is not a protest, it is racist extremism and we do not want it in our county.

Many voluntary and community organisations will be affected, and some will be afraid of being targeted. If you feel threatened, please seek advice from the police or your local authority, Cornwall Council who will be working as part of the Local Resilience Forum.

There are a number of organisations that can help support you and the communities you work with if you have been affected by recent events.

We have listed a few below:

• Black Voices Cornwall – Reach out for support by emailing: [email protected], or contact 07891001969 (this is also a Boardmasters support number). If you are a member of our Black Community, you can join a closed, safe and monitored community page for support.
• Community Gateway – You can talk to the friendly Gateway team via a dedicated telephone line: 01872 266383. Telephone lines are open 7 days a week 8am – 8pm.
• Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C) and Rice and Peas – CN4C and Rice and Peas are working on supporting people affected by hate crime and can offer people a safe space if needed at its hubs
• CRRN – there are a number of local community groups working across Cornwall in support of refugees and asylum seekers. You can find out more about getting involved with and supporting these groups. Contact CRRN for further details.
• Inspiring Women Network (IWN) – [email protected] for support for women of colour and their families, and Muslim individuals and families. Reach out to us for support and solidarity.
• NCVO – NCVO has released a statement with a number of links to advice and support resources
• Safer Cornwall – Information on hate crimes, how to report and support for victims
• Transformation CPR: for confidential support and conversation please visit one of our hubs or telephone 01209 719415 for information on how to visit us.
• Volunteer Cornwall: If you would like to show solidarity and strong community spirit you can get involved in their local community hub or community group.

If you want something practical and constructive (and easy) to do in the face of this racist and anti-Muslim violence, send a message of support to refugees in this country fearing violence. The charity Freedom from Torture has asked for messages for those they support in this country who are living in fear of violence here on top of the atrocities they have already survived.

Like many organisations, we have been feeling uncomfortable about the recent inciteful and unhelpful comments on Twitter/ X and by its owner Elon Musk. A significant amount of the inflammatory debate and misinformation on this platform we believe has incited the racist extremism we’ve seen erupting across the UK.

Social media platforms have a significant responsibility not to incite racism, hatred and violence and Musk’s comments do nothing to show the kind of leadership we need.

Therefore, we have decided to suspend our activity on the platform indefinitely. You can still follow us online via our website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube channels.

We would encourage organisations to do the same and can support you with setting up other social media platforms if needed. Please contact our Comms Team at: [email protected]