John, fellow HOPE not hate supporter, Gemma, wants to send you a message of hope – here’s what she has to say:

Hello, I’m Gemma. I come from Derbyshire and after moving away for many years, I recently came home.

What I discovered has made my heart sing.

The market is making a comeback, with new local sellers. People have turned an old school into a space for small businesses. The carnival, a long-abandoned tradition, came back this year.

Hope prevails: people can pull together, communities can thrive, and an alternative to far right division and misery can exist. But it takes the people-power of you and I, John.

I believe in HOPE not hate’s transformative plan to deliver hope in towns like yours and mine. Can you afford to donate to their community fundraiser? Your donation will be doubled this week only:

My town’s story seems totally ordinary, yet in these trying and divisive times I suppose it’s quite extraordinary.

For the first time in my memory, there’s a beloved, well-used community centre in town. I am holding different spaces too to inspire people: Mindfulness sessions, Sober raves, Coaching. I meet people from all walks of life there – those born and bred here, those who left and came back, and people new to the area.

Bringing people together – not creating division – is key for all of us being happier. More communities need to embrace that spirit next year, but many need serious support to fend off fascists taking hold. If you agree, can you donate to HOPE not hate’s communities appeal?

I see so many people making positive change and building community here in Derbyshire. More communities like mine deserve help to do the same – to resist the lure of far right bitterness and hate. Please, will you donate to support HOPE not hate’s grassroots work?

For this week only, your donation will be DOUBLED, thanks to the generosity of the Reed Foundation.

Thank you for reading my message, John. I hope it brought some hope and optimism to your day. I know we can do this, together.

Best wishes,

Gemma

HOPE not hate supporter