A campaign to raise money to support Sunderland Citizens Advice, after race rioters set fire to and destroyed one of its offices, has raised £12,297 from 520 donations within days.

The fundraiser has been launched by Sunderland Area Parent Support worker Sharyn Smiles after far-right protestors rioted in the city on Friday night.

Sunderland Citizens Advice has two offices near to each other. One has been “completely destroyed” while “the other seems to have a lot of smoke damage, a smashed door and the shutter was cut open by the fire service”.

Smiles explains that SAPS being a victim of an arson attack last year has prompted it to step in to help Sunderland Citizens Advice.

“We know the devastation of these reckless and pointless actions and would now like to assist Citizens Advice Sunderland who have been victim of the horrific riots in Sunderland,” she said.

“The Citizens Advice is there for all members of our community to use, they have the most amazing team (many of whom are volunteers) and are determined to be back operating ASAP!

“From the bottom of our hearts we ask for the kindness shown to us to be extended to this amazing service,” her Go Fund Me fundraiser added.

Citizens Advice Sunderland chief executive Denise Irving said: “This is a devastating situation for our local community. Our primary focus will be ensuring we can continue to support those who need our help.”

She added that while its regular office in Sunderland has been closed its staff and volunteers from the site will be at Sunderland City Hall from this week to offer face to face advice. Also its nearby Washington office is “open as usual so we’re still there for people”.



Citizens Advice charities UK wide have spoken up in support of their colleagues in Sunderland and how they are coping with the situation.

After Sunderland Citizens Advice posted advice for car owners on its Facebook page on Monday, Dean Stewart from East Devon Citizens Advice said “seeing this normal post, about a real consumer issue, offering help to those who are not in a position to know these things... have a great day today and keep up the excellent work. Respect and support.”

Steve Handscomb, vice chair of Dudley and Wolverhampton Citizens Advice told Irving on LinkedIN “just to let you know my thoughts are with you all at this dreadful time”.

Citizen’s Advice Gosport said after the Sunderland charity announced it was back supporting people on Monday: “Well done to the Citizens Advice Sunderland team! From one local office to another, we're so impressed with your resilience and strength. We're sending you moral support and positive vibes.”

The rioting in Sunderland was one of a number of scenes of violence carried out by racist and Islamophobic agitators in cities across the UK, including Belfast, Rotherham and Leeds.

This was sparked by the fatal stabbings of three young children in Southport last week and misinformation online around the teenager who has been charged with their murders.

Sunderland City Council deputy leader Kelly Chequer said: “We are appalled by the events that have unfolded, the outbreak of violence in our city centre is totally unacceptable and an insult to the memory of the victims tragically killed in Southport.

“It is an insult too, to our law-abiding residents and the businesses based here.

“It is clear that many of the perpetrators were not from Sunderland but - alongside a small minority of our residents - had come to the city centre intent on causing harm and creating chaos.

“We will do everything in our power to support the authorities to ensure they are brought to account for their actions.

“Our environmental services teams have been working through the night to begin the clean-up process and we will work with partners to ensure the city is a safe place in which to live, work and visit.

“Sunderland is known for being a warm and friendly place, these events are not a reflection of this proud city and its people.

“We know those people will come together, as they always do, in the days ahead to restore calm for our communities.”

Fundraising campaigns for families in Southport affected by last week’s fatal stabbings as well as for the wider community in the Merseyside town have raised £573,122, as of Tuesday morning.

UPDATE: As of Wednesday 7 August the Sunderland Citizens Advice fundraiser total had reached £13,512.

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