Anne Frank Trust receives new funding as part of London mayor’s anti-hate project

The Anne Frank Trust has been chosen as one of 20 projects awarded funding by the Mayor of London’s Shared Endeavour Fund, with the aim of helping Londoners to recognise and critically assess intolerant, hateful and extremist messages and empower them to safely challenge these narratives. 

Founded in 1991 by friends of Otto Frank, Anne’s father, the Trust uses the life and legacy of Anne Frank to equip young people to recognise and challenge antisemitism and all forms of prejudice. Today’s announcement has confirmed that the Trust has been awarded funding to continue to deliver awareness raising sessions focussing on the impact of antisemitism and Islamophobia, helping young people understand how such prejudices can manifest and the harm they can cause.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said of the new funding: “Hate crime, extremism and intolerance has no place in London. That’s why I’m continuing to fund grassroot community groups which will benefit Londoners – giving them the skills they need to fight extremism and stand up to hate.

“We are living in increasingly divisive and uncertain times and I know the worry and concern that this is having in our communities.

“That’s why I’m committed to working in close partnership with communities and the police to ensure everyone in the capital feels, and is, safe and welcome. I will always champion London’s diversity as our greatest strength and work to shape a city where people understand and respect one another, building a better and safer London for everyone.”

The Anne Frank Trust recently appointed Dan Green as its new chief executive, following the retirement of Tim Robertson after seven years in post.

Other organisations receiving funding include the West Ham United Foundation. which will deliver anti-racism training alongside critical thinking workshops in schools, giving young Londoners aged 11-16 the skills to safely intervene when they spot hate or prejudice. Similarly, Tech Against Terrorism, another grantee, will deliver schools-based workshops helping students to recognise harmful and radicalising content online.

The latest phase of the record-breaking fund is aimed at bringing together communities and countering hate – such as Islamophobia and antisemitism as well as far-right and Islamist extremism – by teaching young people how to identify and reject false and hateful narratives and how to safely intervene.

It will also tackle online conspiracy theories and misinformation, as seen with the disorder across the country following the Southport tragedy last year, teaching young people how to spot and factcheck hateful and radical narratives online and promote shared values to those at risk of radicalisation.