£1 million to bring London communities together

The mayor of London has announced more than £985,000 investment to support communities across London, in a movement to unite Londoners together against hate.

Working with London Councils, London Legal Support Trust and The National Lottery Community Fund, the mayor will distribute almost £1 million to community groups across every London borough using the government’s Community Recovery Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Following disorder across the UK last summer, the deputy prime minister made the government’s Community Recovery Fund available, with £600,000 given to London. £510,000 will be distributed in grants between £700 and £22,000 to support groups and local events, education initiatives and improving access to facilities to Brin people together, and a further £90,000 will go towards London Legal Support Trust so people can access free legal advice across London, as this was a target during the disorder.

This comes part of a new Loved and Wanted campaign to show that all communities of London are valued and respected, and brings together a broad range of organisations and groups to highlight that diversity is London’s greatest strength. Launched on Valentine’s Day at Outernet London, Mr Khan was joined by faith leaders and representatives from London’s communities, from LGBTQ+ groups to deaf and disabled Londoners, to send a powerful message of collaboration across London.

This campaign follows disorder, riots, and violence spread across the UK at a time when fear and division is rife across the world. Since October 2023, the capital has seen a sharp increase of antisemitism and Islamophobia, and a rise in extreme right-wing activity puts certain groups at risk.

New data shows that 79 per cent of Londoners think it is important to increase a sense of unity across London, and 75 per cent it is important to see the mayor promoting it. Throughout February, Outernet’s screens will display colourful ‘You are loved and wanted in London’ graphics in 17 different languages.

The mayor of London said: “London is the greatest city in the world because of the incredible people who lived here. Londoners come from every walk of life, from every religious, ethnic and social background and from all over the world to make this fantastic city. Sadly, we are living in increasingly uncertain and unsettling times and I know the worry and concern that this is having in our communities. That’s why we’re bringing together organisations and community groups across the capital to send a clear message that all Londoners are loved and wanted in our great city. London is, and always will be, a place for everyone.”