In the face of growing societal divisions and intolerance, the Guardian’s 2025 charity appeal has once again demonstrated the power of grassroots initiatives to bring communities together. One such inspiring example is the “Walk of Hope” organised by community organisers in North Shields, which has shone a light on the good deeds being carried out in the town.
The appeal, which has so far raised an impressive £900,000, is supporting five charity partners whose vital work aims to combat hatred and foster a sense of shared humanity. From the Linking Network’s school-twinning schemes to the “difficult conversations” facilitated by Who Is Your Neighbour?, these organisations are actively building bridges across lines of faith, culture and socioeconomic background.
The “Walk of Hope” in North Shields, captured in a photograph by Christopher Thomond, embodies the spirit of the appeal. Organised by local community leaders, the walk highlighted the acts of kindness and community spirit that are alive and well in the town, providing a much-needed antidote to the “creeping nastiness and social division” that has crept back into British society.
Joanne Cooper, the chief executive of Back on the Map, a charity working to revitalise a Sunderland neighbourhood in the wake of the 2024 riots, emphasised the importance of this grassroots approach. “At the grassroots, it’s chief executive, Joanne Cooper, told us, ‘people do care about each other’,” she said.
The Guardian’s charity appeal is not just about raising funds, but also showcasing the vital role of the voluntary sector in addressing societal challenges. Over the past 11 years, Guardian readers have raised more than £16 million through the annual appeals, supporting causes ranging from refugee assistance to tackling homelessness and child poverty.
As the 2025 appeal draws to a close, the “Walk of Hope” in North Shields stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives to spread hope and foster unity in these “unhopeful times.” The donations from Guardian readers will continue to support the tireless efforts of the appeal’s charity partners, ensuring that their work to build bridges and combat hatred can reach even further.