August 2024
On behalf of the trustees, staff and volunteers at dasl, I am reaching out to all of you, as members of our community.
The acts of racist violence across the UK in the past two weeks have been shocking and appalling and we wanted to get in touch to acknowledge that you, your friends or family may be affected by these events and be feeling unsafe, anxious, vulnerable or isolated. We know some of us, as staff and volunteers, are feeling much the same.
dasl and our partner organisations in Lambeth stand against racist violence and offer support to all our community at this time.
You have the right to feel safe in your local community. You also have the right to carry out your usual daily activities. No one has the right to treat you badly because of who you are or who they think you are.
But at this time you might want to take precautions if you feel unsafe.
If you feel unsafe, are scared about an urgent risk, or if you have information to share, call 999 in an emergency or if you are concerned or in doubt, call 101 for non-emergencies.
Cllr Dr Mahamed Hashi, Lambeth’s Cabinet member for Safer Communities, said: “At present intelligence suggests there is no direct threat to Lambeth, and we remain united in rejecting hate. However we are liaising with faith groups, sanctuary services, the Met Police, our MPs and other stakeholders to ensure that we are fully up to date with the situation on the ground.”
dasl continues to operate as usual, but if the situation changes and this might impact on the services and support we offer, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
It is also an important time to remember our connection with each other. All the good things that working together gives us as a community of Disabled people and allies.
In support and solidarity,
Peter Gay
Interim Director, dasl
Resources and links that you may find useful:
· Contact HOPE not hate to access their accommodation security guide, co-created with Safer Foundations, that covers how to deal with key stakeholders as well as safety advice for groups working in accommodation sites and for residents of accommodation. They also have a set of guides including a safety and security guide.
· Know your rights – bust card Information on your rights on a protest.
· Healing and grounding Healing Justice Ldn (HJL) builds community-led health and healing
Some resources about how to talk to children about scary events and what’s happening in the UK right now:
· From the NSPCC: Talking to children about racism.
· Save the Children: What to do when children want to talk about scary situations and Strategies to use when I am worried about the news.
· And from the Mental Health Foundation: Talking to children about scary world events.