Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, we have seen that social media can be a positive tool to connect carers and young carers to friends, families and services. Unfortunately, online racial abuse is far too common and as such Northamptonshire Carers joined the social media boycott from 3pm on Friday 30 April to 23:59pm on Monday 3 May 2021. We decided not to post or schedule content across our social media channels over this bank holiday weekend. Northamptonshire Carers fully support the boycott of social media originating in the football community and wanted to show of solidarity against online abuse.

Providing care for a loved-one has always been universal: one-in-ten of the population are carers, regardless of race, religion and cultural background. We feel that the online space should be safe for all carers, free from racism and discrimination.

Useful Resources

Equality and Advisory Support Service  Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights. Phone: 0808 800 0082 The Monitoring Group  The Monitoring Group provides support to victims of race and religious hate crime through the provision of information, advice, advocacy, and representation. Stop Hate UK  Stop Hate UK provides independent and confidential support to people affected by hate crime, including confidential hate crime reporting services.

Carers provide unpaid care by looking after ill, older or disabled friends or relatives. Northamptonshire Carers supports carers of all ages across Northamptonshire, including young carers under 18. www.northamptonshire-carers.org