Forum Central Position Statement: Standing Together Against Hate

Forum Central strives for healthier, happier lives for people across all our diverse Leeds communities. In pursuing this vision, we are privileged to work with many organisations whose focus is on our most underserved groups and communities, including asylum seekers and refugees. We know the recent protests, flag displays and media coverage takes a real toll on peoples’ mental health and wellbeing. It is crucial, now more than ever, that we build an environment of respect, compassion and inclusivity, celebrating diversity and condemning actions driven by intolerance. 

Our Third Sector in Leeds has always had a strong commitment to inclusion, belonging and community strength. Our members are working every day with people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants, providing safe spaces and vital support. They are also rooted in communities across Leeds, including in some of the most deprived areas with less ethnic diversity, where they provide vital services and tackle inequality. We stand with them in challenging racism and discrimination in all its forms.

As the collective voice for Leeds third sector in health and care, Forum Central will continue to:

• Work with our members and partners to promote inclusion and belonging across the city.
• Support the workforce in dealing with all the challenges they face.
• Share resources and support that help organisations respond to racism, hate crime and the impact of discrimination.
• Ensure that the voice of communities is heard in citywide conversations, including within the Leeds Health & Care Partnership and wider West Yorkshire system.

We are committed to building a community where everyone feels they belong. We welcome feedback from members and partners as we continue this work together.

As MP Jo Cox so wisely said: “We have far more in common than that which divides us.”

Support and resources

• Report hate crimes via West Yorkshire Police (101) or online: Report Hate Crime
• Find resources through Migration Partnership
• For mental health support, visit MindWell Leeds 
• Leeds City Council – Discrimination Campaign Website.