CEO’s Reflection on Recent Events

Last week, families and children were attacked with some of those children losing their lives.  Our condolences and thoughts are with the families of the girls who will not come home, young victims of violence against women and girls. 

When the community gathered to show support and peacefully express outrage over the attack, it was railroaded by individuals who used this incident to fuel Islamophobic and racist rhetoric and organised violence on a wide scale - with the riots occurring in towns and cities across the country. Some of these incidents have taken place in our local communities and the communities of our loved ones.  This cannot be condoned.

Seeing in media reports how officers were targeted when attempting to restore order and attacked in the 21st century is something we cannot unsee and it is a stark reminder that Policing colleagues also need our support at this time.

The level of fear incited by this violence is particularly unsettling. Generally, the impact of the events has no doubt impacted our personal cores in very different ways.  Some of us have found there has been a need to set clear boundaries resulting in personal loss of relationships and friendships. Others may have found their own biases have been challenged.   This interview on LBC with 'Darren the Doorman,' was widely shared antidote to the news. It’s well worth a listen if you need your faith in people restored.

These events highlight the importance of inclusion and anti-racism; there is so much work to be done.