In September, far-right extremists marched through London, bringing fear and hostility onto our streets. We are horrified by the rising tide of religious and racial hatred.

Everyone in our community should feel safe, included, and respected. Yet migrants and people seeking asylum — often confined in so-called “hotels” — have been denied dignity and safety, and even directly targeted by far-right violence, including arson and intimidation.

Disabled people are often at the margins of these struggles, and we know how it feels to be targeted by hate. As Disabled people, we are the world’s major minority — present in every community, across every faith, race, gender and sexuality, and the only group anyone may join at any time. Disability justice is inseparable from racial justice, migrant justice, queer justice and freedom of belief. When one of us is attacked, all of us are attacked. And when we resist, we resist together.

London belongs to all of us. Merton belongs to all of us. Our communities are stronger when everyone can live safely, visibly and with dignity.

We will respond with creativity and in solidarity, using craftivism and community events to show that hate will not win. Through banners, patchwork, solidarity pledges and collaboration with user-led groups, we will make our unity visible and undeniable.

Our presence is resistance. Together, we say: hate does not get the final word — we do. 

Craftivism created and article written by Sarah Jones Nash, Caseworker at Merton CIL as part of Merton CIL’s Week of Creativity. This is one week that staff are allowed to spend on work outside of their roles that interest them.

 

Support & Solidarity Resources

Hate Crime (General)

• Stop Hate UK – 24/7 helpline & online reporting
• True Vision – police hate crime reporting portal
• Victim Support – confidential help for anyone affected

Islamophobia

• Tell MAMA – support service for victims of anti-Muslim hate
• Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) – guidance and links

Antisemitism

• Community Security Trust (CST) – support & protection for Jewish communities
• JCORE (Jewish Council for Racial Equality)

Racism & Racial Justice

• Spark & Co - Racial Justice Hub
• Runnymede Trust – race equality think tank
• Race on the Agenda (ROTA)
• Stand Up to Racism
• Show Racism the Red Card

Disability Justice & Hate Crime

• Inclusion London
• Disability Rights UK
• Stay Safe East – specialist support for Disabled victims/survivors
• Sisters of Frida – intersectional Disabled women’s collective

LGBTQ+

• Galop – anti-violence & hate crime support
• Stonewall
• Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline

Migrants & Asylum Seekers

• Migrant Help
• Refugee Council
• JCWI (Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants)
• Detention Action

Women & Intersectional Support

• Southall Black Sisters
• Imkaan

Mental Health & Crisis

• Samaritans (116 123) – 24/7
• Mind – mental health resources
• Shout (text 85258) – 24/7 crisis textline

Civil Liberties & Wider Justice

• Hope Not Hate – campaigns against far-right extremism
• Liberty – human rights & civil liberties