An antidote to hate Our appeal honours the charities keeping hope alive

It has been an unsettling year of social division, anger and unrest in the UK and beyond.

- Katharina Vinar

Extremist violence and rhetoric are escalating, with the demonisation of migrants reaching a fever pitch.

Far-right activists march in the streets. NHS nurses, care workers and charities face abuse amid a resurgence of "1970s-style racism".

Against this toxic backdrop, the Guardian has launched its 2025 charity appeal. This year's theme, unapologetically, is hope. We are supporting grassroots charities that, through their vital work at the heart of local neighbourhoods, nurture community pride and positive change, and provide a powerful antidote to polarisation, distrust and hate.

Our partner charities - and the projects they support are united in the belief that however loud the forces of hate and division, they will never drown out the values shared by the majority: tolerance, compassion and humanity.