Response to Far-Right Hate Towards Refugees and Asylum Seekers

In the wake of disgusting violence and racism over the past week, we’re in shock and horror. But we are beyond grateful to all who continue to stand in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers.

In the face of hate and violence, we know there are individuals, families and communities standing up for what is right and ensuring those seeking sanctuary are warmly welcomed and supported as they rebuild their lives after war, persecution, and trauma.

We’ve had some amazing messages of love and support from our supporters in the last week:

I just want you to know that there are lots of us out there who don't stand with the violence that is happening all around us. They are the (vocal) minority. You ARE welcome, we DO value you and we SUPPORT you in any way we can. Please know that you're not alone and you are loved. |

As a human being of the Unitarian Faith, I am sickened and appalled at the actions of the violent actions of the thuggish minority of this country. As refugees you have a right to claim refugee status and to have a life free from fear and hatred. My local Unitarian Congregation has actively supported yourselves, and we will stand with you in this darkest of hours. |

I can't believe what is happening in this beloved country of ours - you should be able to make this country yours, too. Be assured there are more of us who welcome you than the awful events in our cities suggest. Stay safe. You have gone through enough already. |

You have our support for the amazing work you do and if there's anything we can do to protect you all please let us know. |

I just want to let you know how frustrated I am for the hateful voices we have been hearing especially during the past few weeks and days. Please remember that there are so many people who are not loud but love and support you all the more. Every single one of you matters, you are all important and you are not "just" refugees or asylum seekers, you are human beings with lots of potential who deserve peace and comfort. You are loved and valued, please stay strong, you are not alone, we are with you❤️ |

We are thinking of all asylum seekers, refugees and anyone who is fearful after this horrific violence. We want you here, we need you, you are welcome. We pray that good prevails. |

Refugees are welcome in Derby and lots of people here are kind and supportive as they begin their new lives. |

I would like my refugee and asylum seeker friends to know that whatever they face they do not face alone. We will stand beside them hand-in-hand. |

Know that there is support for you here in the UK from the majority of people. |

The horrific and inexcusable actions this past week do not reflect the majority of the UK population. I would want you to know that I am glad you have found refuge here and pray very soon you'll be able to get established as citizens contributing to the building of our multi-cultural society. It's a rich tapestry that is being woven. |

Please do not believe the horrible messages that are being directed by such unkind and aggressive people. So sorry for the effect this must be having and I have seen this for colleagues in the NHS too who cannot walk safely at the moment out on their own who are Muslims or non-white people. The majority of people in the UK stand with upbeat and other in condemning this disgusting behaviour. Please know your are welcome and are valued as individuals and as families. So sorry 😢 for this hate that’s being wrongly directed at you. |

I have met some lovely, very kind and caring people who are very welcome in our country. I am very sorry that a few cruel and mean people are so full of hate. Please believe, there are far more of us who welcome you. |

Many, many people support those who are escaping awful danger in their home countries. I am just one of them. I welcome all of you who are in Derby and either settling here or who may move on elsewhere in the country. I am relieved that so far Derby has avoided the violence and thuggery. I hope this continues. But if violence does come here remember it is a minority of people who act this way. Common sense and peace will prevail. |

In the last few years I have come to know refugees from many different places I have learnt more from them than you can imagine and I am happy to have made such good friends. To be a refugee can be hard at times and I want you to know that many of us wish you well in your new life. |

We apologise to all refugees for the recent disgraceful behaviour of some members of our society in the UK. We pray for you to be safe here in Derby. And we pray for the safety and wise decisions of the Upbeat community staff so that you all will be safe. |

Please try and be hopeful and believe that the current violence is shocking to most of us. The thugs do not speak for me or my friends. |

In a fearful world, you have taught me true bravery. Your generosity has shocked and humbled me. You have endured darkness. But it does not have the final say. |

Although media coverage of their actions has made it seeem that there are many of these racist thugs, please remember that they form only a tiny proportion of British society, despised by the rest. |

I just want you to know that there are lots of us out there who don't stand with the violence that is happening all around us. They are the (vocal) minority. You ARE welcome, we DO value you and we SUPPORT you in any way we can. Please know that you're not alone and you are loved. | As a human being of the Unitarian Faith, I am sickened and appalled at the actions of the violent actions of the thuggish minority of this country. As refugees you have a right to claim refugee status and to have a life free from fear and hatred. My local Unitarian Congregation has actively supported yourselves, and we will stand with you in this darkest of hours. | I can't believe what is happening in this beloved country of ours - you should be able to make this country yours, too. Be assured there are more of us who welcome you than the awful events in our cities suggest. Stay safe. You have gone through enough already. | You have our support for the amazing work you do and if there's anything we can do to protect you all please let us know. | I just want to let you know how frustrated I am for the hateful voices we have been hearing especially during the past few weeks and days. Please remember that there are so many people who are not loud but love and support you all the more. Every single one of you matters, you are all important and you are not "just" refugees or asylum seekers, you are human beings with lots of potential who deserve peace and comfort. You are loved and valued, please stay strong, you are not alone, we are with you❤️ | We are thinking of all asylum seekers, refugees and anyone who is fearful after this horrific violence. We want you here, we need you, you are welcome. We pray that good prevails. | Refugees are welcome in Derby and lots of people here are kind and supportive as they begin their new lives. | I would like my refugee and asylum seeker friends to know that whatever they face they do not face alone. We will stand beside them hand-in-hand. | Know that there is support for you here in the UK from the majority of people. | The horrific and inexcusable actions this past week do not reflect the majority of the UK population. I would want you to know that I am glad you have found refuge here and pray very soon you'll be able to get established as citizens contributing to the building of our multi-cultural society. It's a rich tapestry that is being woven. | Please do not believe the horrible messages that are being directed by such unkind and aggressive people. So sorry for the effect this must be having and I have seen this for colleagues in the NHS too who cannot walk safely at the moment out on their own who are Muslims or non-white people. The majority of people in the UK stand with upbeat and other in condemning this disgusting behaviour. Please know your are welcome and are valued as individuals and as families. So sorry 😢 for this hate that’s being wrongly directed at you. | I have met some lovely, very kind and caring people who are very welcome in our country. I am very sorry that a few cruel and mean people are so full of hate. Please believe, there are far more of us who welcome you. | Many, many people support those who are escaping awful danger in their home countries. I am just one of them. I welcome all of you who are in Derby and either settling here or who may move on elsewhere in the country. I am relieved that so far Derby has avoided the violence and thuggery. I hope this continues. But if violence does come here remember it is a minority of people who act this way. Common sense and peace will prevail. | In the last few years I have come to know refugees from many different places I have learnt more from them than you can imagine and I am happy to have made such good friends. To be a refugee can be hard at times and I want you to know that many of us wish you well in your new life. | We apologise to all refugees for the recent disgraceful behaviour of some members of our society in the UK. We pray for you to be safe here in Derby. And we pray for the safety and wise decisions of the Upbeat community staff so that you all will be safe. | Please try and be hopeful and believe that the current violence is shocking to most of us. The thugs do not speak for me or my friends. | In a fearful world, you have taught me true bravery. Your generosity has shocked and humbled me. You have endured darkness. But it does not have the final say. | Although media coverage of their actions has made it seeem that there are many of these racist thugs, please remember that they form only a tiny proportion of British society, despised by the rest. |

If you would like to write a message of support to refugees we work with, please use the form below. Please be aware we may share your message on our website or social media. We will keep your message anonymous unless you explicitly tell us you’d like your name to be shared.