Guardian's Hope Appeal: Uniting Communities Against Division

The Guardian’s Hope appeal has successfully raised over £800,000 to support grassroots charities focused on promoting tolerance and combating division, racism, and hatred. Launched in December 2025, the appeal aims to foster community cohesion amid rising extremist violence and anti-migrant sentiments. The funds are directed towards five charities: Citizens UK, the Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust, and Who Is Your Neighbour?

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The appeal highlights various initiatives that address pressing social issues. Citizens UK, for instance, engages community leaders to strengthen local ties and promote solidarity. The Linking Network focuses on bridging gaps between primary schools divided by ethnicity and geography, fostering empathy among children. Locality’s projects, such as the Circle of Change in Belfast, unite diverse groups through social gatherings, while Hope Unlimited supports initiatives like SaSh, a Jewish-Muslim charity food kitchen that addresses both hunger and community division.

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Dr. Badr Abdullah, chair of the Liverpool Muslim Society and a member of Citizens UK, noted the positive community response following the Southport riots in 2024, stating, “There was a sense of relief, solidarity, hope. We had seen a big rise of hate, but [then] we saw a big rise of love.” This sentiment reflects the broader aim of the Hope appeal to counteract negativity with community-driven positivity.

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Matthew Bolton, chief executive of Citizens UK, expressed gratitude towards the Guardian readers, stating, “Every pound given strengthens our shared capacity to make change and build bridges across communities.” Similarly, Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Locality, emphasized the importance of community support, saying, “When people come together to listen and support each other, that’s when they create opportunities and hope for the future.”

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While the appeal has garnered significant support, some critics argue that grassroots initiatives alone may not be sufficient to address systemic issues of racism and division. They advocate for more comprehensive policy changes alongside community efforts to ensure lasting impact.

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• “With lived experience of racism (current and past), I never want it to stain our country again.” — Anonymous Donor

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• “It restored my hope. It humanised us all,” — Maureen Hamblin, Participant in Circle of Change

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• “One reader emailed: “I’m so glad the Guardian is supporting organisations which bring people together, supporting what is humane and in common amongst us all.” — Anonymous Reader

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The Guardian’s Hope appeal serves as a beacon of hope, rallying community support against division and hatred. As it approaches its final days, the initiative continues to inspire donors and participants alike, reinforcing the belief that collective action can foster empathy and understanding in an increasingly polarized society.

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