Home Office launches programme to support counter-extremism

The Home Office has launched a programme of support for frontline organisations working to challenge extremism in their communities. As part of the first wave of the Building a Stronger Britain Together programme, organisations are being encouraged to bid for the support, which will deliver a key strand of the government’s counter-extremism strategy. Sarah Newton, Minister for Vulnerability, Safeguarding and Countering Extremism, commented: “We are Great Britain because we are a proud, diverse society united by values such as democracy, free speech, mutual respect and opportunity for all. “Extremists threaten these values, promoting hatred and intolerance and causing harm to communities and individuals. This includes far right groups who encourage anti-Muslim hatred and anti-semitism. It also includes those who deny women the same rights as men to education, work or justice. “Across the country organisations and individuals are standing up to extremism and the harm it causes. As we work to build a country that works for everyone, we are determined to support them and, by empowering mainstream voices, drown out those who seek to divide us. Groups can apply online for in-kind support up to a value of £75,000, or grant funding up to £50,000. In-kind support might include social media training, help setting up a website or advice on media activity, with gents given to clearly defined proposals.