Statement from Raised In on recent unrest in Bristol
At Raised In we’re deeply saddened by the recent racist riots in Bristol. We stand against all forms of racism, discrimination and intolerance and as educators seek to teach the children in our care to embrace and celebrate all cultures, backgrounds and religions.
We stand in solidarity with everyone impacted by the recent appalling events in the city and across the UK, especially those from minority ethnic backgrounds. We’re proud of our diverse team, and the grace and courage with which they’ve shown up to educate the children in our care over the past couple of weeks.
We would also like to thank our families – your support and kindness has been wonderful to witness and has been very much welcomed by the team. We are very fortunate to have a brilliant community at Raised In, and we will continue to do all we can to cultivate this.
The Raised In team have been offered access to counselling and further support, and if any of our families have been impacted there are a number of services available:
Samaritans offer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week
AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership) can offer support, advice and guidance
Shout 85258 offers confidential text support 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Nilaari Agency provide mental health assistance, particularly to adults from Black, Asian, and Minoritised Communities
Somali Resource Centre provides free and impartial information, advice and guidance
SARI (Stand Against Racism & Inequality) provides free and confidential support for anyone who is a victim of hate crime across Avon and Somerset
Raised In was founded to support community spaces and organisations through the provision of high-quality childcare and early years education. It is in times like these when our community organisations are needed more than ever, supporting local cohesion and working to combat all forms of misinformation, intolerance and racism. We’ll continue to work hard to provide the best early years education and care whilst supporting your community organisations for the benefit of all.
Merlyn Ipinson-Fleming,
Chair of the Board of Directors
Annabel Thomas MacGregor,
CEO
