Support and solidarity from Oxford Hub

We’ve been horrified by the racist, Islamophobic and violent rioting and acts of terror across the country over the last week. We condemn the rhetoric that drives this, and we recognise that many Muslims, folk from migrant communities and people of colour are currently feeling particularly unsafe to go outside and live their daily lives as they normally would.

We want you to know that today and always, Oxford Hub stands against violence, racism and Islamophobia in all forms. Everyone is deserving of respect, compassion, and humanity.

Yesterday’s counter-protest in Oxford was a glimmer of hope. Hundreds of people turned out to send a message of hope not hate. At Oxford Hub, we will supercharge our work to promote community organising and volunteering as ways to bring people together to make our city better and tackle inequalities.

In the last year, hundreds of Oxford residents have volunteered with Oxford Hub to make a difference in our community and thousands more are volunteering with many other charities and groups too. We’re stronger when we work together.

Thank you for all you’re doing to help make Oxford a fairer, more equal and welcoming city. If you are feeling stuck and stressed at the moment, here are a couple of things you can consider if you are able to, to keep helping to make our city a better place:

1. Volunteer in your community. Even an hour a week can make a huge difference. You can look at our volunteering programmes here, or on the Oxfordshire volunteering website for other charities.
2. Share a message of hope and welcome, that we can compile into a book for the migrant communities, asylum seekers and refugees we work with in Oxford. You can send your message here.
3. Donate to Asylum Welcome, a charity that supports refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants in Oxfordshire. You can donate here.

We are proud of our diverse and strong Oxford community, whether you are new to calling Oxford your home or have been here your whole life. We are all friends and neighbours, and our city is stronger for it. We must stand united against hate.

In solidarity,

Amy Lockwood, Oxford Hub CEO

PS: Our community hub in the Leys remains open and is a safe welcoming space for everyone. You can see our activities here. If you would like support to travel to our community hub, we can arrange a taxi or for you to be accompanied. Please email hello@oxfordhub.org or call us on 01865 745260.