Civil society organisations have praised the work of charities in supporting communities impacted by racist and Islamphobic rioters, who last night were successfully thwarted by anti-facist protestors.

The NCVO and Charity Commission have led support for charities and community groups during the disturbances.

This includes volunteers helping to clean up following rioting by racist thugs and how they have continued to support communities despite being the target of attacks themselves.

The worst of the violence was over last weekend. Among charities impacted was Sunderland Citizens Advice, whose office was destroyed by arsonists.

This week charities supporting asylum seekers were braced for further violence on Wednesday after their details were shared among right wing agitators.

But fortunately, thousands of anti-fascist protesters in cities across the UK, including Manchester, London, Bristol and Brighton faced down the right-wing groups.

A heavier police presence and long sentences already starting to be handed down to convicted right wing rioters are among other factors that are likely to have thwarted further violence.

The violence was sparked by misinformation spread online about the identity of a teenager charged with the murder of three girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southbourne last week.

“Amongst the violence we have seen the very best of our society too,” said NCVO chief executive Sarah Elliot.

“People from all backgrounds and walks of life volunteering their time and coming together to help one another. From helping clean up to providing comfort or handing out refreshments. This is the true expression of our country’s values.”

She has also detailed how civil society and community have been impacted and that the NCVO will “stand in solidarity with them and offer our continued hand of friendship”.

“Libraries, community hubs and organisations that are the very fabric of our civic life have been affected. And people who contribute so much to our society have been made to feel they don’t belong, she said.

“Make no mistake, these are not protests or free speech. They are acts of violence perpetrated by thugs to fan the flames of racial hate and islamophobia.”

She added that racists will not deter the work of charities.

“As civil society, we will continue demonstrating unwavering commitment to those who are marginalised. By leading with empathy and compassion, we will unite against ignorance, malevolence and hate.

“And in the following weeks and months we must continue to work towards a more tolerant and anti-racist society – learning from the many charities who are working tirelessly in this space.”

Hundreds of thousands of pounds has been raised by charities, Taylor Swift fans and dance studios to support those impacted by last week's Southport tragedy.

The Charity Commission has also praised the work of charities to support communities and tackle racism.

It said that charities “are at the heart of communities across the country and have always been part of the solution to division and hatred”.

“They offer hope and unity, bringing communities of place, faith, and interest together, and they build bridges. Many have been already and are responding to the violence with courage and optimism,” it added.

Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth added: “I want to thank all those trustees, staff and volunteers who over recent days have countered hate with unity and hope, whether in word or action.

“This is one of those times in our country when charities demonstrate the difference they make in communities and the ways in which they strengthen our society. You have my thanks, and my support.

“As your regulator, we are here to guide and support all charities, and ensure that you know where to turn when you need support. I encourage trustees to use our guidance, reach out to our contact centre or use some of the sectors umbrella bodies and other sources of advice.”

We recognise that this is a challenging time, and some charities are responding to unfamiliar circumstances and unclear risks. We have published a statement with guidance to support charities responding to public disorder: https://t.co/wPKnWR0yIr pic.twitter.com/mGORofWSkQ

— Charity Commission (@ChtyCommission) August 7, 2024

The regulator has offered charities guidance on ensuring they stay safe should any further violence occur.

This includes following their protecting people and safeguarding policies, acting quickly to minimise further damage and to report any incidences.

Charities are also advised to plan what to say to those involved with the charity and the media if necessary.

“Monitor official social media channels of police forces and government bodies for accurate and up to date information to support your assessments and decision making,” the regulator added.

“With significant disinformation circulating its important to check sources of information and rely only on official or other trusted channels of communication avoiding speculation or rumours.”

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