Statement on Bristol United Against Racism

We are proud in Black History Month and following National Hate Crime Awareness Week to support “Bristol United Against Racism”. We have signed the Bristol United Against Racism Statement along with many other Bristol organisations – please join us in standing against racism in all its forms.

Our CEO said:

In recent weeks, we have experienced an escalation in hate-fuelled behaviour in our community, our city and across the country. Anti-migrant protests led by the far-right and racist abuse and attacks on people in our city are normalising racism in our community. Staff, volunteers and community members have told us about a resulting increase in verbal abuse and micro-aggressions. This behaviour is dangerous and divisive. We stand in solidarity with our community and with our partners who have signed the statement in saying: this behaviour is not ok. There is no space in our community for racism; there is no space in our community for hate.

Wellspring Settlement is committed to our organisation, buildings and local community being places where everyone is welcome, has a good quality of life and can thrive. Anti-migrant sentiments, racism, antisemitism, anti-Muslim hate have no space in our buildings and services and we encourage anyone using our buildings or spaces to feel able to challenge this behaviour and reach out to us for support in doing so.

You can read more about how we are seeking to make our organisation more inclusive and celebrate the whole of our community in our strategy.

Our Head of Services said:

These are dangerous and upsetting times, with hate groups gaining visibility, encouraging violence and hateful rhetoric with the aim of creating division and fear. Wellspring Settlement stands clearly against racism and identity-based hate in all its forms. Racism, anti-Muslim hate, antisemitism, xenophobia, or “banter” at someone’s expense are not acceptable in our community or our organisation and we will challenge and call this behaviour out. As a community organisation we work hard for our services to be welcoming, inclusive places of safety for people, where people can get support, support each other, express themselves in respectful ways and learn and work together. We have recently launched our Community Hub, a place for people to come together and focus on the true challenges our communities face in an inclusive and open way that recognises that “when we listen and celebrate what is both common and different, we become a wiser, more inclusive, and better society” (Pat Wadors).

If you have experienced hate crime and need support, you can contact SARI: Get Help – SARI