If you would like to volunteer, raise money, or help in other ways, there are many organisations across the country which support asylum seekers, refugees and marginalised people.
Organisations include Hope Not Hate, Migrant Voice, Women for Refugee Women, Refugee Action, Choose Love, Amnesty UK, Unicef, British Red Cross, Refugee Council, Care4Calais and many more.
As well as national charities, there are local support groups offering support to individuals such as the Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race Equality Centre.
Another thing you can do is think carefully about what sort of information you share online: is it from a verified, trusted source? Stay away from sharing anything which might identify accommodation where asylum seekers may be staying or could intensify divisions.
Positivity is vital in counteracting hateful rhetoric, whether that is in person among your friends, family, colleagues and in your community, or more widely online. Refugee Action points out: “A kind word or a smile can make such a difference to all of us. But it can mean even more to someone who has been forced to flee their home because of war and violence. It lets them know that they’re not alone.”
You can take part in Refugee Action’s Welcoming Messages action, writing words of kindness, solidarity and welcome to people who have come to the UK to seek safety.