Council leaders’ statement of solidarity

Published: 07 August 2024

From: Community

“We have been shocked and saddened to see the violence directed at minority groups and communities over the past week, perpetrated by extremists stirred up by online disinformation and misinformation. There is no justification for this violence; it is simply unacceptable.

Crawley has not seen the same disorder as other parts of the country. However, we are aware of unverified reports circulating online of potential protests and counter protests in Crawley. The council is working closely with Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council and other agencies to provide information and reassurance and to help keep our communities safe. Everyone should be able to go about their daily business and not feel threatened.

The police have increased patrols in key areas this week and are urging residents to speak to officers if they have any questions. To report a crime, call 101. In an emergency, call 999.

We are a proudly diverse town, where our friends and neighbours come from many different backgrounds, but all come together to make Crawley their home. As a council and a town, we stand together against any form of racism, discrimination and abuse. We celebrate Crawley and the people that make it and know that there is far more that unites us than divides us.”

Councillor Michael Jones
Leader of Crawley Borough Council

Councillor Duncan Crow
Leader of the Opposition, Crawley Borough Council

Challenge and change at Refugees Welcome Crawley

Following the General Election, there is hope for a more humane asylum system with the newly elected Government pledging in particular to end the Rwanda deportation scheme.

At our recent AGM, we reflected on the significant increase in our work and the subsequent challenges of the past year, in particular an increase in homelessness amongst newly granted refugees. We continue to support resettled refugee families from Syria and Afghanistan and we also offer welcome and practical assistance to men, women and children from many different countries who are waiting for decisions from the Home Office on their asylum claims.

With our wonderful team of dedicated volunteers, we work hard to enhance the wellbeing of those we ©BA at RWC support, providing English classes, children’s literacy, drop-in advice sessions, a Welcome Club games afternoons, sewing, dance and art opportunities.

We work closely with local charity Sussex Aid for Refugees to provide clothes, shoes and other essentials to those in need who often arrive with very little.

We are extremely grateful for all the grants and donations we have received over the past year which have enabled us to continue our work, in particular from the National Lottery Fund, Wates Foundation, Sussex Community Foundation Trust, Longley Trust, St Christopher’s Trust, Active Sussex, Ifield Community College, Cuckfield and St Mary’s Balcombe churches, Worth Parish, St Vincent de Paul Society, the Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, WSCC and Reigate and Banstead District Council.

We recognise the resilience and courage it takes to rebuild a new life in a strange country as a refugee and we know that offering welcome can make a world of difference: ‘You are the great organisation that provides humanitarian assistance to the refugees here. I am unable to express my gratitude to you for all the help you give me. Thank you all that provide for us. I will never forget your kindness.’

Contact us if you would like to find out more, volunteer with us or donate to help us continue our work. Thank you so much for any support you can offer.

See below for the Refugee Council campaign for a fairer asylum system.

https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/fair-and-humane-asylum-system/