Terrence Higgins Trust is deeply shocked and saddened by the recent wave of violence and civil unrest across the UK, driven by racist and xenophobic ideologies. We condemn these acts of hate unequivocally and stand in solidarity with all communities affected, particularly migrants, and those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds.

These riots are not isolated incidents but are fuelled by deep-seated racism, Islamophobia, and a broader intolerance that seeks to divide our society. Places of worship, community centres, and individuals who contribute so much to our society have been attacked, leaving many feeling unsafe in their own neighbourhoods.

We recognise that our response has taken longer than it should have, and we apologise for this delay. We are fully committed to supporting our staff, volunteers, service users, and the wider communities we serve.

The unrest has impacted the work of the charity, with some staff choosing to stay at home and a noticeable reduction in attendance at our outreach services. We fully support our staff in making decisions that prioritise their safety and well-being during this stressful and challenging time. We will keep the public informed of any changes to our services through our social media channels and website.

In light of these events, we have been in close contact with the organisers of UK Black Pride, which is set to take place in London on 11 August. Terrence Higgins Trust plans to attend this important event. The organisers have been working closely with the police to ensure the safety of all attendees.

Terrence Higgins Trust remains committed to supporting the communities most affected by this unrest. We will continue to advocate for a society where everyone, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity, can live safely and with dignity. Together, we will stand strong against hate, working towards a more inclusive and just future.