Impetus' statement on the racist and Islamophobic violence across the UK

The racist and Islamophobic violence we have seen across the UK is having a serious and damaging impact on young peoples’ lives and the communities in which they live.

Fundamental to our mission as an organisation is the belief in fairness and equity. Many of our partner organisations' staff and the young people they work with are from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, who are living in communities most affected by the violence. We stand in solidarity with them.

We cannot underestimate the lasting effects of acts of racist violence: they damage the life chances of young people and cause communities to live in fear for their safety. Racism and xenophobia have no place in our society.

We encourage those working tirelessly to engage and support young people at this time, to connect with and support one another. UK Youth and the National Youth Agency’s 'Space to Connect’ initiative is running on 8th, 12th and 15th August, and you can sign up here. Other useful resources can be found here.

Together, we will get through this.