Dear Editor
The outbreak of Covid-19 saw a dramatic increase and intensification in racist incidents directed towards East and Southeast Asian communities in the UK. Until now, there hasn’t been a dedicated, culturally competent service to support them following such incidents and to accurately record the scale of the problem.
But now that will change, with the launch of On Your Side, a helpline and website offering specialist advisors and new reporting options to anyone from East or Southeast Asian communities who has experienced racism or any form of hate because of an aspect of their identity or perceived identity.
Set up by a coalition of 15 national and community-based groups with expertise in hate crime prevention and supporting East and Southeast Asian communities, it offers a nationwide 24/7 telephone helpline and website providing advice and support from trained staff.
We know there are many barriers stopping people from reporting, but we are offering a safe, trauma-informed service which they can access to talk and seek support. We can listen, advise and help.
Furthermore, it will help build a more accurate understanding of the levels of racism and other forms of hate faced by East and Southeast Asian communities in the UK, giving policy makers, civil society and community groups insights to shape better prevention and justice approaches.
Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported.
The service goes live on 9 August 2022 and can be accessed at www.onyoursideuk.org or by calling free on 0808 801 0393.
Your sincerely,
Andrea Martinez, Director, Kanlungan Filipino Consortium
Andy Fearn, Co-Executive Director, Protection Approaches
Anna Yim, Chief Executive, Chinese Community Centre Birmingham
Hau-Yu Tam, Head of Campaigns, End Violence and Racism Against ESEA Communities
Jabez Lam, Centre Manager, Hackney Chinese Community Services
Kimi Jolly, Executive Director, East and Southeast Asian Scotland
Mariko Hayashi, Executive Director, Southeast and East Asian Centre
Nathan Law Kwun Chung, Chair, Hong Kong Umbrella Community
Quynh Nguyen, Chief Executive, Vietnamese Family Partnership
Rosa Hui, Chief Executive Officer, Chinese Community Wellbeing Society
Rose Simkins, Chief Executive, Stop Hate UK
Shirley Au-Yeung, Chief Executive, Chinese in Wales Association
Simon Cheng, Chair, Hongkongers in Britain
Circle Steele, Chief Executive Officer, Wai Yin Society