The Guardian view on hope: with your help, charities can help to repair the social fabric

"Austerity, cost of living pressures and a chronic lack of investment have damaged the physical and social fabric of some UK towns and neighbourhoods far more than others. In places where large numbers of people feel disheartened about living standards and prospects, and disenchanted by democratic politics as a result, a whole range of grievances can take hold. This year's Guardian charity appeal is all about countering the alarming rise of far-right, anti-migrant and other extremist politics and the misconceptions that fuel them."

"We and our partners are convinced that the fraying threads of communities can be woven back together with effort and imagination, supported by your generous donations. If polarisation is fuelled by digital capitalism's commodification of attention as illustrated by the role of social media in inflaming anti-migrant protests cohesion and cooperation increase when people build bridges in real life. The charities and projects in this year's appeal in this year's appeal make and strengthen connections."

"Drawing on a range of techniques and activities, they seek to enhance confidence and reduce antagonism. The charity Locality advocates on behalf of 2,000 local organisations, ensuring that grassroots, bottom-up initiatives are not crowded out by bigger ones. The pioneering community housing provider Back on the Map is a case in point. It has regenerated a declining and fractured part of Sunderland not for the benefit of property developers but for the people who live there."

Austerity, rising living costs and chronic underinvestment have eroded the physical and social fabric of many UK towns and neighbourhoods, leaving residents disheartened about living standards and prospects. Widespread disenchantment with democratic politics creates fertile ground for grievances and the growth of far-right, anti-migrant and other extremist politics. Strengthening community cohesion through grassroots projects and donations can counter division by building real-life connections and reducing antagonism. Digital capitalism and social media can inflame polarisation, while community-led regeneration, local organising, targeted grants and training reinvest confidence in neighbourhoods, prioritising residents' needs over property development and addressing hostility toward migrants.

Read at www.theguardian.com