Reflections on the UK riots

Dear Villagers, 

I know we have all been really shocked by the racist and Islamophobic riots and violence taking place since the awful killing of the three little girls in Southport. However, as a white woman, I have the privilege of knowing that I can go about my day without worrying about being attacked for my race or religion. That is not the case for everyone at Little Village (staff and volunteers), for our team’s families and friends, or for many of the (often very vulnerable) families that we’re supporting. 

While thankfully Little Village was not singled out as a target, the ripple effects of these events were (and are) felt by so many of our community.  

The impact on our community 

I found it particularly upsetting to see the violence outside hotels housing asylum seekers (and frustrated to see them described on the news as ‘illegal immigrants’), wondering who might have been terrified inside as thugs set fire to the buildings. Many of our families, already very vulnerable, found themselves cancelling hub appointments and unable to access the support they rely on due to safety concerns.  

Our staff and volunteers have also been affected and our priority was to ensure we could support them to stay and feel safe. Our volunteer drivers paused some deliveries due to concerns about delivering items to hotels where some families we support were staying and some volunteers felt too unsafe to travel to our hubs for their shifts.  

Our partners in the community and are vital in ensuring that we can continue to support families, especially during such turbulent times. 

Making a difference 

In response to the situation, we have increased our use of home deliveries and bolstered our support through our Family Connections phone calls to offer additional emotional and logistical support to families who may be struggling to cope with the current situation, including advice on how to talk to children about the riots. 

Moving forward 

While the recent events have been unsettling, they have also reminded us of the strength, adaptability, and resilience of the Little Village community. We are committed to continuing our work, adapting as necessary to ensure that we can provide the essential items and support our babies, children and parents need.  

The riots have highlighted longer-term, deep-seated issues in our society.  We cannot solve them on our own, but we can play our part, by being thoughtful about the broad and inclusive ‘village’ we are building.  

Acting with love to, as far as we can, (sometimes virtually) wrap our arms around those who are terrified and continue to build a ‘village’ of support, is long term work, but feels even more important now.    

Baby things, big impact 

By supporting Little Village, you are already part of the answer. By offering essentials to families who have very little and are often very isolated can have such a resounding and life-changing impact. If you’re able to continue this support, please do so below. 

Thank you so much – I’m proud to stand alongside you.  

 

If you would like to help us in the fight against child poverty, you can donate money or donate your pre-loved stuff.