A number of important new reports, campaigns and resources have recently been published exploring racism, discrimination, hate crime, mental health inequalities and community safety. We are sharing these resources to help organisations strengthen inclusive practice, support staff and communities, and access further information and training.

Free Hate Crime Awareness Training

Protection Approaches

Supporting Staff and Volunteers

Directory of Social Change: Supporting Staff and Volunteers Amid Rising Racism and Discrimination

Mental Health and Structural Racism

Shifting Power Report – Centre for Mental Health

Community-Led Racial Justice

Locality’s Creating Places for Everyone Report

Reframing Conversations About Race

Reframing Race Curriculum

Tackling Harmful Narratives Around Violence Against Women and Girls

Read the Messaging Guide

Creating Safe and Welcoming Community Events

Refugee Week Guidance for Safe and Welcoming Events

Campaign for Disability Justice

Campaign for Disability Justice

These resources may be useful for organisations working on inclusion, equality, wellbeing, safeguarding, community cohesion and staff support.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how organisations communicate, fundraise, plan services and manage administration. While many small charities and community groups are already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, Canva AI or Microsoft Copilot, others are unsure where to start or concerned about the risks.

The good news is that there are now free, practical learning opportunities designed specifically for charities and community organisations.

Free AI Training for Charities

Charity Excellence AI Training Hub

The courses:
• Require no previous technical knowledge
• Are designed for busy charities and community groups
• Include short sessions you can complete at your own pace
• Cover practical uses of AI, governance, risks and opportunities
• Include downloadable resources and infographics
• Provide certification on completion

Why This Matters for Small Organisations

AI can help small organisations:
• Save staff and volunteer time
• Improve communications and social media content
• Support funding applications and reporting
• Generate ideas for community engagement
• Improve accessibility and translation
• Analyse surveys and feedback more efficiently

However, it is also important to think about:
• Data protection and confidentiality
• Bias and misinformation
• Ethical use of AI
• Transparency with communities and service users

Useful Starter Resources

–NCVO Guide to AI for Charities
–CAST AI Resources for Charities
–Charity Digital AI Hub
–The Charity Excellence AI Training Courses

AI is not about replacing people or community relationships but it may help smaller organisations reduce pressures, improve efficiency and free up more time for frontline work.