I am really saddened and angered to be living at a time when a message such as this is necessary but watching the racism, Islamophobia and violence over the last few days has been painful and frightening. I can only imagine what it must feel like for those of you who are directly under attack or who are living in fear. 

I want to reinforce that there is no place for any kind of hate at Platfform. We want all people to feel safe with us. Whether you are a someone we support, a member of staff, or a volunteer, hate has no place here and we stand with those of you who are under attack, frightened and angry.   

Mental health is a universal human fact of life. We cannot call for wellbeing for all if we do not welcome and listen to people of all backgrounds, cultures and beliefs.  

We will be working with our projects, teams and partners to see what support we can offer within our services, and the communities where we work and live. We encourage organisations to reach out to use if there’s work we can do together. 

Now is the time to really live our values, to stand alongside those under attack, to hold onto and fight for love and hope and to stand against hate. 

Ewan Hilton and the Platfform for Change team 

Staying safe and looking out for the people around you

• Be kind to yourself – we can all be personally affected and feel vulnerability, so please ensure that you have support networks around you.
• Lead by example – stand alongside those under attack, to hold onto and fight for love and hope and to stand against hate.
• Join our commitment to equality and diversity – https://platfform.org/equality/
• Check-in with people around you regularly – this could be friends, family or colleagues to discuss current events and concerns. If you have been subjected to any abuse, threats or violence please do speak out.
• Support affected communities by offering safe spaces and helping people in identifying local places where they can find support and solidarity. Find local support here: https://www.dewis.wales/ and https://knowledgehub.cymru/contact/
• Review your security plans and protocols to support safety at work. As well as thinking about safety, it is important to consider wellbeing. Constantly assessing risk and worrying about security can take its toll.