Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group
(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 15.08.24)
I want to start by sending my heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Alice, Bebe and Elsie from Southport. I grew up nearby with family and friends in that community.
Actions of a minority have only added to their grief and pain. That tragedy be drowned by the far right and their hateful agenda.
At Pioneer, we take equality, diversity and inclusion incredibly seriously. Our staff diversity represents Birmingham, where the last census showed 51.4% of the city’s population has a diverse ethnic background.
Castle Vale, where we manage our homes, has historically been predominantly white British. But over time, as we allocate half of the 100 or so homes that become empty each year to those on the housing register, our community becomes more diverse. The Vale is a vibrant community, welcoming all backgrounds and faiths.
Setting fire to and destroying buildings, like Citizen Advice Bureau offices, libraries and local businesses is wrong. Attacking people because of their faith isn’t protest, it’s fascism.
We should be thoughtful as to where we get our information – disinformation and conspiracy is peddled through media. We should also look out for family, friends and neighbours at this time.
Communities deserve to feel safe and secure in their home and outside. Pioneer stand with those attacked and the emergency services trying to help people.
It was warming to see many people standing against fascism and the far right. We are many and they are few.
For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk
The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
